International Day of People with Disability is held each year on 3 December to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
The United Nations theme for IDPwD gives a focus for society to remove barriers for people with disability to become more inclusive. The official UN theme for IDPwD 2023 focuses on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”
The Australian Government supports International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) through a range of activities on 3 December and all year round: International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au)
Australia celebrates International Day of People with Disability 2023
IDPwD provides an opportunity for the Australian community to learn about and engage with the unique issues, challenges, strengths and achievements of people with disability in Australia, including:
- Videos and written stories to encourage the community to have conversations, share lived experience, and get involved with IDPwD
- Ambassadors to help promote IDPwD and share their lived experiences of disability (more details below)
- Resources to help governments at all levels, private organisations, workplaces, schools, community groups and individuals to recognise the day, including information kits, posters, banners and social media tiles
- Helping break down misconceptions and encourage inclusive attitudes and behaviours through the IDPwD website and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Get involved!
There are many ways you can get involved in IDPwD 2023. The community and organisations are encouraged to get involved in one or more of the following ways:
- Hold or attend an event on, or around, 3 December.
- Join or start a conversation in your community to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
- Read, watch and listen to the stories and experiences of people with disability to challenge your attitudes and assumptions.
- Take action in your community to remove barriers and improve accessibility for people with disability.
- Help spread the word and share your messages of support for #IDPwD online.
Many organisations are raising awareness around IDPwD with events, campaigns, and content!
The ABC is partnering with International Day of People with Disability to feature content across all platforms to celebrate the wins, highlight the struggles, and share the stories of millions of Australians with disability. ABC recommends bookmarking this page to access stories as they are added: Australians with disability tell their stories for International Day of People with Disability
The team at DANA have joined people with disability and other advocates to help our society learn more about ableism through this ABC quiz: Learn more about ableism and what it looks like with our quiz on disability discrimination. Share the ABC quiz about ableism with your networks to help keep family & friends informed!
National Awards for Disability Leadership by the Disability Leadership Institute recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution and leadership shown by disabled people and our organisations in Australia today. 2023 Finalists include the Together: Access and Inclusion Training program run by Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) and the Inclusive Communication Project by Down Syndrome Australia. Recipients will be announced on Sunday 3 December at 9:00 am (AEDT).
Advocacy for Inclusion is hosting a webinar, Lessons, truth and hope: Charting a way forward after a year of NDIS stories on 1 December where People with disability will share reflections, lessons and ideas for renewal 10 years after the launch of NDIS in the ACT for IDPwD.
Check out the community event calendar for IDPwD events and activities you can attend in your area or online.
Meet the 2023 IDPwD Ambassadors
Ambassadors help promote IDPwD and share their lived experiences of disability. The 2023 Ambassadors reflect the diversity of lived experience and the disability community:
- Dr. Scott Avery: an Aboriginal scholar from the Worimi people who is profoundly deaf. He is currently a professor, experienced researcher and advocate.
- Giancarlo de Vera: a lawyer and an advocate for disability, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ affairs and cultural diversity.
- Hannah Diviney: a writer, podcaster, author and a passionate advocate for disability representation.
- Anja Christoffersen: a social entrepreneur, model, speaker and author, and the founder of Champion Health Agency.
- Ann-Mason Furmage: a proud disability advocate who has lived with disability for over 50 years, following a Polio diagnosis at the age of 12.
- Charlie and Lewis Smith: 21-year-old twins who live with intellectual disability. Since taking up acting classes in 2021, they both found a passion for filmmaking.
- Grace Edward:an Abegi and Teremo woman from Yei in South Sudan who grew up in Kenya. She is a writer, director and producer.
- Gretta Serov: a motivational speaker, graphic designer, and founder and head writer of On Our Own Tracks. She is also a non-verbal wheelchair user, born with severe cerebral palsy.
- Hugo Taheny: an athlete, ranked No.1 in the world for shot put and discus for people with Down syndrome. He holds world records in both events.
- Michael Theo: an actor and host of Mr A+ with Michael Theo, a podcast with the mission to bring love and light into everyone’s life.
Learn more about the 2023 IDPwD Ambassadors: Our ambassadors – International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au)
For the latest news and updates around, follow IDPwD on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or subscribe to receive updates at International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au).