International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day celebrated throughout the world each year on 3 December. The day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and recognition of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
IDPwD offers an opportunity for individuals and the community the make positive changes to the lives of the 515,600 Western Australians with disability.
Western Australian theme
Western Australia’s theme for 2024 was ‘Confident, Capable and Creative: Come with Me’, which highlighted the strength, resilience and capability of people with disability, and recognised the value of driving change together as an inclusive community.
We all have a role to play in creating an inclusive community. Disability is not a barrier to living full, independent lives where people can reach their full potential. Everyone should be able to participate fully, safely and free from prejudice in everyday life.
A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030 reinforces a whole of community commitment to supporting people with disability and sets the foundation for building a more inclusive Western Australia.
Did you know?
Based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics:
- 515,600 or 19 per cent of Western Australians have a disability.
- 5.5 million people in Australia have a disability.
- The unemployment rate for people with disability is 7.5 per cent - more than double that for people without disability.
- In WA, 12 per cent of people with disability have experienced discrimination in the last 12 months, slightly above the national of 10.5 per cent.
- 63.9 per cent of people with disability over the age of 15 reported they were satisfied with their social and community participation.
- 1 in 4 people with disability over the age of five have difficulty in using public transport.
Celebrating IDPwD
More than 100 activities and events were held around WA in 2024 to celebrate IDPwD.
Check out the IDPwD Padlet to find out more.
New events and ideas on how you can celebrate IDPwD in 2025 will be provided closer to the date.
Increase your understating and awareness of disability
Training
Undertake Disability Awareness Training, available via the following:
Learn Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
Some basic signs are available for you to watch and practice from the following videos:
Beginner community Auslan classes are available through Deaf Connect.
Using respectful communication
Respectful communication is based on the use of inclusive and non-discriminatory language which helps to avoid assumptions and misunderstandings and promotes respectful relationships.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and find common ground.
- If you’re interested in the arts, volunteer with DADAA.
- If you’re interested in sport, the All Abilities Football Association or the No Limits Netball Program are great ways to connect with your community.
