International Day of People with Disability: Get Involved in 2024!

We live in a diverse world, and that’s something worth celebrating! Every year on December 3, the International Day of People with Disability is a chance to celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of the millions of people across the world living with disabilities. It’s also an important time to recognise the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities and those that care for them. 

On top of raising awareness and building more understanding and acceptance, this annual celebration is a call to action to break barriers, contribute to a more inclusive society and champion the richness of our diverse communities. Here at ICMI, we’re ready to help you get involved. Our roster is filled with incredible individuals with lived experience of disability, from superstar paralympians to everyday advocates who do essential work educating the public and driving change. 

 

Make an Impact, Get Involved

Be part of a vision for a brighter future by promoting greater inclusion for the millions of Aussies living with a disability. Get your business, school, community group or organisation involved in a way that moves the needle on how we listen, include and celebrate people living with a disability. Don’t know where to start? Aim to get first-hand stories and insights from people with disabilities. Invite them to share at your event, conference or seminar while you listen and reflect.

Getting started is as simple as checking out the roster of incredible speakers on the ICMI roster. Our team can also offer tailored advice and help you match the right speaker with the vision of your event (along with your location, budget and other important tidbits!)

 

What is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?

Launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of People with Disability was established to help advance disability rights and protect the well-being of folks with disabilities. People across the world have since gathered together each year to celebrate this special event.

Around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability according to World Health Organisation stats. Despite this, society too often falls short of catering to them. People with disabilities are shut out of many aspects of life, from work opportunities to social interactions, entertainment, cultural life and more. We all have a role in making this better. This goes beyond basic accessibility needs, which we’re getting better at, though still have a long way to go. 

It’s about breaking down every barrier that could possibly limit living life to the fullest for our loved ones with disabilities. By listening to their stories and spreading awareness of the issues that matter to them, we’re best equipped to fight for the rights of people living with disabilities throughout their lives. 

 

What is the International Day of People with Disability Theme in 2024?

The 2024 International Day of People with Disability theme is yet to be announced. Most years have similar messaging, each with a particular focus. Themes from the last few years include:

• 2023: Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.
• 2022: Not All Disabilities are Visible.
• 2021: Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.
• 2020: Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.

The annual celebration reflects the ongoing mission of the disability rights movement, from preventing discrimination to recognising disability as an aspect of a person’s identity rather than their defining feature. 

 

Celebrating Diversity and Embracing Inclusion

Truly celebrating inclusion and diversity means championing what makes each of us authentically us. It’s about more than being present. It’s about feeling like you’re an active participant and that you’re valued for who you are and have a strong sense of belonging. It’s also about autonomy, where we have the options and control to make choices about how we can participate in society and live our lives to the fullest.

 

Ways to Get Involved in International Day of People with Disabilities

Join us in celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities in 2024. There’s a ton of ways to get involved, including:

 

• Hosting events such as seminars, workshops, or community events featuring guest speakers on disability inclusivity and awareness.
• Supporting organisations by partnering with local disability advocates and charities, from volunteering to donating.
• Host accessible activities like inclusive arts exhibitions, sports, music events or film screenings that touch on themes or messaging around disability issues and rights,
• Facilitating educational workshops that advocate for accessibility, including exploring assistive technology, accessible infrastructure, transportation, and digital platforms to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services.
• Recognising and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities in your workplace, school, community and beyond.
• Sharing stories and first hand experiences of persons with disabilities by inviting guest diversity and inclusion speakers to your business, school or community event to foster greater empathy and understanding.
• Organising cultural events showcasing the talents of people with disabilities through music, theatre and arts.
• Raising awareness through social media campaigns and digital content using #IDPD to educate, celebrate and advocate for people with disabilities.
• Engaging in advocacy and discussions for disability rights and policies in organisations and communities, such as how we can enhance accessibility.
• Fundraising for disability causes with charity events and drives, including involving businesses, schools and local government representatives.

No matter how you want to get involved with the International Day of People with Disability, make sure you involve people with disabilities. This means your initiatives are more likely to be genuinely impactful, inclusive and meaningful ways to show support for the wellbeing, rights and perspectives of individuals with disabilities.

 

Interested in booking a diversity and inclusion speakers for International Day of People with Disability? Call us now on 1800 334 625 or make an enquiry online.