International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is dedicated to raising awareness about disability issues and promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day aims to encourage inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all, including those living with a disability. Each year, this date is focused on a specific theme, highlighting different aspects of disability inclusion and the various challenges faced by individuals with disabilities worldwide.

Established by the United Nations in 1992, IDPD has since been important in fostering understanding and emphasizing the need for disability-inclusive policies and practices globally. In Australia, the disability community makes up approximately 18% of the population, with around 4.4 million Australians living with a disability. This makes IDPD particularly relevant to Australians, as it encourages reflection and action regarding the barriers and discrimination faced by those with disabilities within the country, as well as promoting the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities to Australian society.

IDPD is observed in Australia through various events and activities, including awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and community gatherings. These endeavours seek to engage the public, generate conversation, and challenge misconceptions about disability. Organisations, such as the Australian Network on Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, play a significant role in coordinating efforts and resources for IDPD. Australians are encouraged to participate and engage with these events, which take place annually on the 3rd of December, to show their support for disability inclusion and the ongoing efforts to build a more accessible and inclusive Australia.

Facts about International Day of Persons with Disabilities

• The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2024 was Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future , and in 2023 was Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.
• According to the WHO’s World Report on Disability, 15% of the world's population are living with a disability.
• Australia has a strong history of success in Paralympic sports, ranked 5th in the all-time Paralympic Games medal tally with over 1000 medals, including 369 golds. The Australian Paralympic Committee focuses on providing opportunities, resources, and support to athletes with disabilities.
• The most common types of disabilities in Australia include physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities (vision and/or hearing impairment), and psychiatric disabilities.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Volunteer at a learning disability center or an assisted living facility.
• Make donations or lend your support to non-profit organizations that work towards empowering individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusion, and providing necessary services.
• Encourage local businesses and public venues to improve accessibility by providing disability-friendly facilities such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, and braille signage.