On International Day of People with Disability, we explore this year’s theme: ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. We also outline ways you and your organisation can take part in this important day.

Each year on 3 December, the world marks the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Established by the United Nations in 1992, IDPwD is a day to recognise, celebrate, and commit to meaningful inclusion of people with disability across all facets of social, economic, cultural and political life. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability, representing about one in six people. Many continue to face barriers that affect their health, wellbeing, and opportunities throughout life (WHO).

Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress

The 2025 theme calls on individuals, businesses, governments and communities to work together so that inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception. It highlights the ongoing barriers many people with disability experience across social and economic life, including:

• higher rates of poverty
• unequal access to employment
• lower wages
• overrepresentation of informal work
• social protection systems that often do not cover disability-related costs.

It also draws attention to care and support environments where people’s dignity, autonomy and agency may be limited. Health inequalities remain a central concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), people with disability face twice the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, depression or cardiovascular disease, and some die up to 20 years earlier than those without disability. These inequities often arise from unfair conditions, including discrimination, stigma, poverty, and barriers within health systems themselves.

The theme aims to promote structures and systems that “build a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world and an understanding that advancing progress on social development depends on, and indeed necessitates, the inclusion of all segments of society.”

The UN also emphasises:

“The inclusion of persons with disabilities as both agents and beneficiaries of social development is indispensable. Disability inclusion in all aspects of social, economic, cultural and political life is therefore an imperative.”

The three interconnected priorities of social development – poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration – benefit from environments that support and encourage disability inclusion. The 2025 theme builds on the commitments reaffirmed at the Second World Summit for Social Development, reiterating that progress in social development is strengthened when all members of society are included.

IDPwD In Australia

In Australia, IDPwD is a collaborative effort involving government, schools, businesses, community and advocacy organisations, and individuals. It is an opportunity to contribute to an inclusive and diverse community for the 5.5 million Australians with disability.

Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 is the national disability policy framework. The policy prioritises seven key outcomes:

1. Employment and Financial Security: People with disability have economic security, enabling them to plan for the future and exercise choice and control over their lives.
2. Inclusive Homes and Communities: People with disability live in accessible, well-designed homes and communities that foster inclusion and accessibility.
3. Safety, Rights and Justice: The rights of people with disability are upheld; they feel safe, have equality before the law, and have protection from abuse, neglect or discrimination.
4. Personal and Community Support: People with disability have access to a range of supports and services that help them live independently and engage meaningfully in their communities.
5. Education and Learning: People with disability have access to inclusive education and learning opportunities, allowing them to achieve their full potential.
6. Health and Wellbeing: People with disability attain the highest possible health and wellbeing outcomes throughout their lives.
7. Community Attitudes: Community attitudes support equality, inclusion and participation for people with disability – valuing their contributions and reducing stigma and barriers.

How to engage with IDPwD

IDPwD 2025 is more than a day of celebration; it is a call to action. By fostering disability-inclusive societies to advance social progress, we take vital steps towards a world where inclusion and equity are the norm.

Ways to get involved:

• Host your own IDPwD event or activity.
• Learn about disability inclusion.
• Watch the IDPwD Ambassador videos.
• Join the conversation and engage with the IDPwD on Facebook or Instagram.

Social procurement framework

The Social Procurement Framework (SPF) was introduced in Victoria in late 2018 and requires departments and agencies to ask tenderers about the social and environmental benefits they offer. One of the seven social procurement objectives is: Opportunities for Victorians with disability.

The outcomes sought under this SPF Objectives are:

• Purchasing from Victorian social enterprises and Australian Disability Enterprises
• Employment of Victorians with disability by suppliers to the Victorian Government.

For more information see, Victorians with disability: Social procurement guide.

Conclusion

IDPwD is a reminder that inclusion grows through collective effort. The 2025 theme encourages us to take a closer look at the conditions that shape the lives of people with disability, and the changes that can support equity, autonomy and opportunity across everyday life. Whether by taking part in community activities, learning more about disability inclusion, or considering how your organisation can strengthen accessibility, everyone has a role to play. Together, we can help build societies that uphold the rights, experiences and contributions of people with disability and create fairer, more inclusive communities for the future.

Resources

• Australia’s Disability Strategy Hub (Disability Gateway, Australian Government)
• Inclusion Resources (IDPwD, Australia)
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 (UN)
• International Day of People With Disability (Australian Disability Network)
• International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD, Australia)
• Second World Summit for Social Development (UN)
• The 7 outcomes (Disability Gateway, Australian Government)
• WHO Fact Sheet: Disability (WHO)

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CourtHeath acknowledges the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to Elders past and  present, and to the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal people.

A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the sustainable development goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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