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.

An Easy Read version of the theme will be provided here soon.

We will update our website once more information becomes available.

Read about the announcement on the United Nations website.

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.