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 Australians with disability.

The Australian Government through the Department of Social Services funds a national program to help promote and raise awareness of this day.

United Nations IDPwD 2023 Theme

The theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

The 2023 theme for IDPwD asks everyone to work together to make the world better and fairer for people with disability.

The theme talks about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are 17 things countries want to work on by the year 2030 to make the world better and fairer for everyone. It is important that people with disability are part of this work and have a big say in what happens.

You can learn more about the SDGs here:

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