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International Day of People with Disability

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

A person walking down the street smiles and holds their White Cane

This International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), Guide Dogs Australia is seeking to normalise disability and highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance by gifting 1,000 children across Australia with dolls that have white canes or Guide Dogs.

The dolls will be delivered to 1000 young children with low vision or blindness, their friends, families and schools on the day to facilitate conversations around inclusion and representation of people with disability.

Four children unwrapping Kmart inclusion dolls

The dolls, donated by Kmart Australia include two new varieties, Luke and Guide Dog and Lacey and Guide Dog. Guide Dogs played a collaborative role in the design of the new dolls to ensure authenticity.


Click here to access a full video description.

Hear from Guide Dogs Client Sienna

Sienna was born blind due to a congenital disorder, but it hasn’t stopped her from demonstrating an ‘I can do anything’ attitude in every task she puts her mind to, including taking out first-place at her school athletics carnival earlier this year.

Eight-year-old Sienna was one of the first people to receive a doll.

Meet Guide Dogs Ambassador and Paralympian medallist, Jaryd Clifford


Click here to access a full video description.

Hear from Guide Dogs Ambassador Jaryd Clifford

Jaryd, who was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration as a child, said he wishes he had had more exposure to representations of people with disability growing up.

“One of the biggest challenges I had growing up was that I didn’t like standing out or being different. That self-consciousness, I regret it so much. I now realise that my disability is one of my strongest attributes – it’s my diversity, it’s what makes me different.”

Jaryd Clifford sits on a couch surrounded by children who are playing with Kmart Inclusion dolls

How to help

Everyone can help normalise disability and promote the importance of inclusion.
  • For people with low vision and blindness

    Learn more about our services - whatever you need to make your life more independent, we'll support you to make it happen.

  • For businesses and organisations

    There are many ways to partner with us. Let us tailor a unique partnership to suit and celebrate your organisation.

  • For individuals

    Download our practical inclusivity guidelines to learn more about how you can foster a welcoming environment for people with low vision and blindness.

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