Look beyond disability to see what’s possible

TODAY, Saturday, December 3, is the International Day of People with Disability.

What is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)?

Every year on this day, people around the world take part in (IDPwD) events.

It is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in our community.

A key part of IDPwD are the events that schools, workplaces and community groups hold to mark the day. There are also many other ways you can get involved, including joining the conversation online or taking action in your community to remove barriers and improve accessibility for people with disability.

“This year, we are also encouraging the community to ‘look beyond’ disability and celebrate people and their stories,” said the IDPwD organisers.

“By listening to the experiences of people with disability, and recognising their unique talents, skills and interests, we can challenge our own perceptions about disability and make positive changes in the community.”

And that’s exactly what they did on Friday at Bass Coast Adult Learning where they staged a ‘Celebrateability’ event, a day filled with games, a delicious lunch and ending with a colour run, involving everyone.

But every day is a day to improve access and opportunity for people with a disability at BCAL, a key local NDIS service provider, offering a range of capacity building programs across a wide range of areas.

Australian Paralympic legend and disability advocate Kurt Fearnley AO, now Chair of the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) said it best.

“People with disability are entitled to the same respect, independence and choice as others. We need to talk honestly about the barriers in society that prevent this and work together to break them down.

“I've been to quite a few International Day of People with Disability events and celebrations over the years.

“I cherish the focus on people with disability each year and the strong intent to do better and create a more accessible and equitable Australia.”

But we have to do more he says, in education, in the workplace and in the community so that one day, we won’t need an International Day of People with Disability, but that day is not this year.

Community groups, schools and workplaces are encouraged to hold an event which raises the profile of equality of opportunity but if you can’t attend an evet, you can still help spread the word:

* Post messages of support on your social media pages, including details of how you celebrated IDPwD or what your community is doing to recognise people with disability and promote inclusion.

* Share your story or read other people’s stories on social media using #lookbeyond.

* Publish an article in your community newsletter or send an opinion piece to your local newspaper or publication.

* Send targeted emails to your members, volunteers and stakeholders to encourage them to get involved.

* Talk within your networks – start a conversation at your next group or community meet-up and consider ways you can make your community more accessible and inclusive.

* Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to be part of the community and help spread positive stories about people with disability all year round.

The smallest action can make a difference!