About IDPwD

IDPwD is a United Nations (UN) day observed internationally. It aims to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability. This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly announced 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals.

IDPwD is an opportunity to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community for the 5.5 million people with disability in Australia.

The Australian Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funds a national program to help promote and raise awareness of this day.

United Nations IDPwD 2025 Theme

The theme for IDPwD 2025 is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.

The theme means we all need to work together to make society fairer and respect the rights of people with disability.

Countries in the United Nations, including Australia, have agreed to the Doha Political Declaration. This is a promise to work together to make life better for everyone.

To do this, we need to:

  • Take away barriers that stop people with disability from joining in.
  • Make sure people with disability have the same chances as others.
  • Have health care and good education that everyone can use.
  • Include people with disability in all parts of life.

We also need to understand the problems people with disability face. This includes being poor, not being able to find a job and being treated unfairly.

What is being done in Australia

In Australia, we are striving for more people with disability in leadership roles. This is a policy priority in Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031. This strategy is Australia’s national disability policy framework.

It drives action at all levels of government to improve the lives of people with disability.

You may wish to incorporate the official theme into your own activities or event, or develop your own theme. There are some links on our Inclusion resources webpage to help get you started.

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