United in action: International Day of People with Disability.

The 2023 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is almost here. IDPwD will be observed around the world on Saturday 3 December to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

Countries and communities recognise this day in their own way. In Australia, there are loads of ways to get involved – as an individual, school, community or workplace.

IDPwD was started by the United Nations in 1992. Each year there’s a different theme that gives a focus to removing barriers for people with disability and building a more inclusive world.

IDPwD 2023 theme.

Each year, the United Nations develops a theme for IDPwD. The 2023 theme is: United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.

The theme is asking everyone to work together to make the world a better place for people with disability.

 The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 things countries want to work on by the year 2030 including ending poverty, hunger, improving health and making education more accessible. The UN wants to ensure that people with disability are part of this work and have a say in what happens.

Some of the priorities for people with disability include:

•   Ensuring all people with disability around the world get their rights according to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
•   Changing unfair laws, plans and rules
•   Providing people with disability with more information about their rights
•   Improving access to housing, training, education, mobility aids, technology, healthcare, public transport and employment
•   Making sure people with disabilities can have their say and make their own choices.

How to get involved.

There are many ways you can get involved in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

•   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.

IDPwD event resources.                                         

Recognise International Day of People with Disability with your school, community or workplace!

Get a free information kit for your event:

•   Resources for school events
•   Resources for community events
•   Resources for work events

You can also register your event at https://www.idpwd.com.au/events/ or find an event in your area.