International Day of People with Disability

On IDPwD, we normalise disability and highlight the importance of inclusion.

Two people laughing as they work together at a computer with a braille reader

International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

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

This International Day of People with Disability, Guide Dogs Australia is celebrating a small number of the leaders with lived experience of disability with whom we are proud to work.

Leadership for an inclusive future

Talking with people with lived experience who are leaders in their fields, we discuss what an inclusive world would look like, what good leadership is, and what we need to do to be more inclusive. Some key take outs include:

  1. The importance of taking opportunities, feeling uncomfortable and taking risks, and dreaming big.
  2. That support, education and mentorship is vital.
  3. That good leadership includes listening and engaging with stakeholders, having empathy and a growth mindset.
  4. How unemployment levels are high for people living with disabilities, and whilst some businesses talk about being inclusive, they are often not in practice.

Watch the video below for the full story.

Listen to some of our leaders with lived experience share their stories

Hear from David Simmonds

“If all our environments were truly inclusive for everyone, then we actually wouldn’t have disability”

David Simmonds, Director Transport, Accessibility & Inclusion, Department Transport & Planning and non-Executive Director, Guide Dogs Vic.