International Day of Acceptance

January 20 of each year is a day dedicated to social acceptance of disability and to honor the creator of the International Symbol of Acceptance, Annie Hopkins.

History of International Day of Acceptance

Annie Hopkins founded 3E Love to make the world a better place, and also created the International Symbol of Acceptance, which shows a wheelchair in the shape of a heart. Together, this event and symbol convey the 3E Love's ethos of devotion, equality, respect and understanding, accepted and appreciated by people of all abilities.

Owned and operated by people with disabilities, 3E Love works to empower people through pride and passion, not charity. Take control, follow your dreams and be the best you can be, whatever the physical factors, make us who we are and Annie's goal is to share this with as many people as possible who have witnessed it inspiration around the world.

On January 20, 2009, Annie passed away from unexpected complications during a simple medical procedure. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her friends and family, and it also lives on in the heart of the International Acceptance Symbol. Annie's Brother Stevie Hopkins, who helped her start Love 3E, expressed gratitude for his sister's selfless efforts and vowed to keep them alive. On the first anniversary of Annie's death, Stevie and family established an annual celebration of her life and work, inviting people to participate in a variety of ways, from drawing icons on the table your hand or cheek, order buttons and t-shirts from the website, or simply change your social media profile picture to the logo of the day.

How to Celebrate International Day of Acceptance

Encourage the people around you to be strong to make things happen beyond their means. Never enjoy making those disabled people feel embraced. You can spread the word by drawing a logo on your hand or cheek, or order a t-shirt from the 3E Love's official website. You can even change your social media digital image with the logo of the International Acceptance Symbol in a day. Share your celebration on social media using the hashtag #DayOfAcceptance.