International Left Handers Day was first observed in 1976, as a day to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handed individuals. It is also used to raise awareness of the disadvantages of being left-handed, with only 7 – 10% of the population being left-handed. It spreads awareness of issues facing those individuals who are left-handed, such as special needs for left-handed children and the likelihood for left-handers to develop schizophrenia.