International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally. The day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. The day is an opportunity for us to make positive changes to the lives of the 4.4 million Australians with disability. As an individual, school, community group, business or organisation, there are many ways you can get involved and promote inclusion in your community.
The theme for 2021 is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.
To support people with a disability The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed practical resources to promote diverse and inclusive practices across workplaces, educational, community and family settings at https://includeability.gov.au/
These are free for employers, people with disability, their families, formal and informal support networks on:
- finding and applying for a job
- identifying accessible and inclusive employers
- identifying as a person with disability in the workplace
- attracting and recruiting people with disability
- customising a job for a person with disability
- hosting accessible and inclusive online meetings and events.
We are all encouraged to continually explore how our parishes, schools and agencies may continue to grow as inclusive communities celebrating the gift of diversity.