International Day of People with Disability: How to get involved.

Here at Leap in! HQ, we’re privileged to see firsthand the important contributions that people with disabilities make in their communities every day – and we’re celebrating!

[Image description: The International Day of People with Disability logo to the left of the image is an navy symbol type shape of a person with blue orange and lime green decoration in extended wave shapes and dots coming from each side. To the right of the logo reads “The International Day of People with Disability” in navy font.]

IDPwD Celebrations.

Each year on 3 December the United Nations, along with thousands of businesses and community groups around the world, celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

The day is an opportunity to recognise people with a disability and celebrate their achievements on a global scale.

It also creates an opportunity to increase public awareness of disability issues and promote understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

There are lots of ways to recognise International Day of People with Disability and to get involved – whether it is with your local community or as part of the inspiring international network of people working to increase disability inclusion.

Go global with #PurpleLightUp.

Around the world there are more than 386 million people with a disability in the workforce.

#PurpleLightUp is a global movement led by PurpleSpace that celebrates and raises awareness about the economic contribution made by these employees each year.

Since 2017 #PurpleLightUp has brought attention to IDPwD by lighting up iconic buildings and landmarks with purple lights, running events and social campaigns, and working with organisations to advance disability inclusion in the workplace.

#PurpleLightUp2020.

This year #PurpleLightUp is planning its biggest ever event with a digital broadcast that will follow the sun for 24 hours across every continent (except for Antarctica) to shine a spotlight on the stories and achievements of people with disability around the world.

From sunrise in Oceania to sunset in North America the event will feature webinars, interviews, and panel discussions with employees, CEOs, allies and thought leaders who are all working towards improving the workplace for people with a disability.

There are tickets available on the #PurpleLightUp Event page. You can register for free to access any or all of the sessions and be part of the #PurpleLightUp ‘Party with a Purpose’.

Find a local celebration.

If you want to connect with your local community check the IDPwD Australia Events Calendar to see what’s on in your area or in a nearby city or town.

It’s wonderful to see that this year on 3 December (that’s this Thursday!), there are IDPwD events happening in every state, and territory in Australia.

Host an event.

Every event, no matter how big or small, helps to promote awareness and foster inclusiveness for people with disability.

The IDPwD Australia website offers free event planning kits for schools, communities and workplaces. Each kit contains great resources, as well as tips and tricks, that will help you host a fantastic event!

If you’re planning a public event, you can register it with IDPwD to be included in the community event calendar. That way people will be able to join in on your celebration and help contribute to your success.

Spread the word.

How ever you choose to celebrate IDPwD you can share your experience online to help promote awareness and foster inclusiveness for people with disability.

Did you know Leap in! is on Facebook?

You can share your events and stories with Leap in! on Facebook. To find our page simply search for @leapinaustralia.

If you have any questions you can call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78, contact us via our website (online chat available), email crew@leapin.com.au.

Further Reading

Personal care supports.

Getting NDIS support when you have MS.

NDIS eligibility: The basics.