International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

The UN Theme for 2021 is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.

“It’s important to centre disabled people on International Day of People with Disability – the day is to celebrate us. While International Day of People with Disability happens on 3 December every year, and it’s a day for disabled people to celebrate and come together, it’s also a day where disabled people work very hard to educate about inclusion, representation and accessibility.

Don’t just remember disabled people, disability issues and inclusion on 3 December, remember, make disability a priority all year round. Buy our art, read our stories, listen to our music, create accessibility, call for better media representation, give us a seat at every table – every day.” -Carly Findlay

The Australian Government has supported IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day and support activities around Australia.

Information about how you can get involved and help break down barriers (both structural and attitudinal) for people with disability can be found here.

To check out the IDPwD calendar for current and upcoming events please click here.

People with Disability

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report 2020:

• 1 in 6 (18%) people in Australia have disability (about 4.4 million people)
• 1 in 3 (32%) people with disability have severe or profound disability (about 1.4 million people)
• For 1 in 4 (23%) people with disability, their main form of disability is mental or behavioural 

• 24% of adults with disability experience very good or excellent health, compared with 65% without disability
• 32% of adults with disability experience high/very high psychological distress, compared with 8% without disability
• 47% of adults with disability have experienced violence after the age of 15, compared with 36% without disability
• 48% of working-aged (aged 15-64) people with disability are employed, compared with 80% without disability

The 2016 census showed that within the CESPHN region, 4% of the population require assistance with core activities, and 11% of the population provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability

As of March 2021

• there was 17,111 NDIS participants across CESPHN region (NDIA)
• 10,687 individuals receiving a carer payment (DSS)
• 24,521 individuals receiving a carer allowance (DSS)
• 28,303 individuals receiving a disability support pension (DSS)

Events in or near the CESPHN region celebrating IDPwD

• Generation You (GENU)
  GENU will be hosting an event 9.30am-12.30pm Friday 3^rd December 2021. It will feature a line-up of acclaimed guest speakers. This virtual event will include insights and discussions about how we can all help build more inclusive communities.
  For further information please click here
• Canterbury Bankstown City (CBCity)
  CBCity will be hosting a webinar 11.00am-12.00pm Friday 3 December 2021. That will include an online talent show and disco.
  For further information please click here
• Inner West Council
  Inner West Council will be holding an event Friday 17^th December 2021, at Petersham Town Hall, that will include entertainment, a live panel and films, that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
  For further information please click here
• IDPwD at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
  Liverpool City Council will be celebrating with a theatre show and service provider expo at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
  For further information please click here
• The Concourse Theatre in Chatswood
  The Concourse Theatre will be facilitating a Drama Workshop as part of the celebrations to the IDPwD
  For further information please click here

To find out more about International Day of People with Disability – Australia please email: idpwd@dss.gov.au

This article is being promoted as a part of CESPHN’s PCEP Project GROW.

To find out more and receive CESPHNs Intellectual Disability e Newsletter, please email: IntellectualDisability@cesphn.com.au

To join CESPHNs Disability Network, please email j.denford@cesphn.com.au
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