Today, people across Australia and the world are coming together for International Day of People with Disability – a United Nations observed day that promotes greater community understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and recognises their experiences, achievements and contributions. 

The 2024 International Day for People with Disability theme is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’. 

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth encouraged all Australians to reflect on how we can make our communities and environments more accessible and inclusive.

“We have a rich and diverse disability community in Australia with more than 5.5 million Australians with disability, each bringing their own unique skills, views, ideas and talents,” Minister Rishworth said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive society where all Australians with disability have the chance to fully participate in all aspects of community life and to thrive.

“Today is a powerful opportunity to share stories, elevate the voices and experiences of people with disability, and champion all that they are and do.

“This day is also an important opportunity to open conversations on where barriers and discrimination still stand in the way of people with disability living their fullest lives and how we can make our schools, workplaces, communities and all levels of society more inclusive.”

With this year’s theme focusing on leadership, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Bill Shorten, reflected on the importance of supporting current and future leaders with disability in creating systemic change, including in the NDIS.

“There is no doubt that every level of society would be enriched by more inclusive and representative leadership,” Minister Shorten said.

“Core to the NDIS, is the principle that people with disabilities need to participate in decision-making – on both a participant level, and frankly on a Scheme level.

“Our reforms to the NDIS ensure that people with disability have the right to make their own decisions, to have their decisions respected and to participate fully in life in ways of their choosing.

“Having people with disability in leadership positions at the NDIA and its Board is essential if we are to live up to the principles of the Scheme’s formation 10 years ago – a point made by Board Chair, Kurt Fearnley two years ago.”

“Natalie Wade, who has been a formidable force as a disability rights lawyer and advocate, joined the NDIS Commission as Associate Commissioner this year with responsibility for registration and reform. Shortly after commencing her role at the Commission, Natalie reflected that it was about time that the person who will set the course of reform and registration of disability support services, is reliant on daily care and will do so for their lifetime.”

As part of its International Day of People with Disability activities, the Government appointed eight official Ambassadors with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to promote the day and disability inclusion for 2024. 

Minister Rishworth and Minister Shorten both thanked this year’s Ambassadors – Hayden Moon, Cooper Smith, Uncle Paul Constable- Calcott, Khadija Gbla, Sara Shams, Sean Skeels and Marley Whatarau – for their wonderful efforts to share the stories of people with disability, shift community attitudes and promote understanding and acceptance.

The Albanese Labor Government’s International Day of People with Disability initiatives support its commitment, as outlined in Australia’s Disability Strategy, to lead reform and change that supports full inclusion and participation of all Australians with disability.

Various events to mark International Day of People with Disability are being held all around Australia including festivals, art exhibitions, morning teas and film screenings. 

To support our Government’s delivery of disability reform, today we have released:

• The Review of ADS, which identifies practical improvements to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia, including the need for a coordinated approach across governments, best practice accessible communication and new Targeted Action Plans in areas like housing, safety and community attitudes.
• An updated Data Improvement Plan, which is providing never seen before insights, exploring ways to link new data sets to the Outcomes Framework, including capturing community attitudes towards people with disability, hearing from almost 20,000 people in the first wave of the ADS Survey.
• The Guide to Applying ADS, which provides tools for governments, business, individuals and the community to reflect on and make real change to policies, programs, systems and services.

For more information about International Day of People with Disability or to find an event in your area, visit www.idpwd.com.au.

For more information on Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 visit www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ads.