International Day of People with Disability is held on 3 December each year and promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance of people who are living with disability. This day is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability. You can start by reading some of their stories.
The United Nations first introduced the day in 1992. While some progress has been made since then, there are still too many barriers—political, social, economic and cultural—affecting people with disability. On top of that, this year has brought its own challenges, which is why it is appropriate that the theme for 2020 is ‘Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World’.
This year, the Australian Network on Disability has partnered with the #PurpleLightUp campaign to celebrate the contribution of people with disability in the workforce—almost 400 million employees around the world. You can find out more about the #PurpleLightUp online events via the Australian Network on Disability website. In addition to #PurpleLightUp, you can also show support and spread awareness offline by wearing purple on 3 December and talking with your friends, family and colleagues.
For more information and how to break down barriers for people with disability, visit the International Day of People with Disability website.
‘Challenge the way you think about disability—and see the ability in disability.’
