International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on the 3rd of December each year to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contribution of people with a disability as well as take proactive steps towards a more inclusive society.
This year’s theme is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.
Incredible stories of achievement.
Here at Leap in! we are marking the day by sponsoring the Tasmanian Disability Festival Excellence in Innovation Award. While all three of the finalists are doing incredible work to improve long-term outcomes for people with disability, we can’t wait to find out the winner!
There have been some truly incredible stories of achievement shared in the lead-up to this years’ IDPwD which we wanted to share with you.
If you haven’t been following the ABC’s story series, we highly recommend checking them out. Here are a couple of highlights:
When Bobby Pate makes you coffee, he’ll do his best to put a smile on your face – an aqua coloured kombi converted into a coffee van is Bobby’s latest business venture.
Video: Disability advocates campaign for more accessible tourism. Chris Kerr hits the road in Western Australia looking for places that support accessible tourism.
Performance artist Hannah Cormick on disability, climate change and why the way we make art needs to change.
Video: Meet three vision impaired mothers navigating parenthood and finding their own way.
Round-up of IDPwD events across the country.
We’ve created a list of the key events in each state so you can plan your celebration.
A late addition to our list is an online event on Wednesday 8 December called Politicians living with Disability. Join Senator Jordon Steele-John, Ali France (a QLD Federal candidate) and Liesl Tesch (Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly) for a candid conversation about their journey into politics and overcoming obstacles faced along the way.
NSW
Sydney Disability Expo
Sydney Olympic Park
3-4 December
Over 150 product service providers, presentations and speakers from Government agencies and disability organisations, plus kids entertainment and live all-ability performances.
More at Sydney Disability Expo
Artscreen
Museum of Contemporary Art
2 December 12.30-2.30pm and 4 December 12.30-2.30pm
New works of video art by professional artists with a disability including Sue Jo Wright, Robert Sherwood Duffield and Sarah Houbolt.
More at ArtScreen 2021
Events in Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Orange, Temora, Moruya, Glen Innes and Penrith are also listed on the IDPwD website.
ACT
Hartley Lifecare and Sharing Places event
Hodgson Place, Pearce ACT
3 December 2021 11.30am to 3.30pm
Participants from both organisations will share a BBQ sausage sizzle. Entertainment may be provided depending on health directions.
More at IDPwD events
Queensland
All abilities skydiving
Chermside, Brisbane
3 December from 5pm – 8pm
iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving hosting an all abilities event where anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities can enjoy the sensation of flight.
$49 per participant with disabilities which includes 2 flights, photos and videos.
More on the iFLY Facebook page or book on 1300 435 928.
All access day at the beach
Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast
3 December 10am – 3pm
Celebrating IDPwD with games and activities including yoga, tai chi, sand play, modified beach volleyball and rugby. Beach matting will be in place. Beach wheelchairs and a hoist will be available. It’s free!
Book at Sunshine Coast Council events
South Australia
Celebrate on the square
Victoria Square, Adelaide
3 December from 11am to 2pm
A fun, free event featuring music, speakers, food, awards and activities.
More at the Facebook event
Law enforcement torch run
Government House, Adelaide
3 December 11.15am – 12.30pm
Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and colleagues of emergency services will be staging a torch run through the streets of Adelaide to celebrate the athletes with a disability and spread the message of inclusion, acceptance and support for people with an intellectual disability.
More at IDPwD events
Tasmania
Tasmanian Disability Festival Awards Gala
Country Club Tasmania, Launceston
3 December
Celebrates significant achievement and recognises outstanding contributions within the disability sector. Twelve awards are up for grabs including the Leap in! Excellence in innovation award. There’s also an interactive Expo at Woolmers Estate on 4 December and an art prize and exhibition.
Bookings at Tasmania Disability Festival
There are also events in Glenorchy, Burnie, St Marys and St Helens listed on the IDPwD website.
Victoria
Bendigo Community Fest
Lake Weeroona, Bendigo
3 December 11am – 3pm
The 13th annual event which acknowledges the achievements of people living with disability in the community. There will be stallholders, music, sport and activities.
For information email sportzrulz.vic@gmail.com
IDPwD Dance
Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex, Mildura
3 December from 6-9pm
The theme is ‘Heroes and Villains’ and attendees are encouraged to dress up. The event is suitable for people with disabilities aged 16 and over and is alcohol free.
For information email community@intereach.com.au
There are also events in Donald, St Albans, Mallacoota, Stratford, Prahran, Essendon and Koo Wee Rup listed in the IDPwD website.
(Online) Community Stories on film
Showcasing original short films about inclusion and belonging in Port Phillip, Victoria.
The films will be available to stream for one week from December 3.
More information at City of Port Phillip.
Western Australia
IDPwD Lunch
Crown Perth
3 December from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
More than 500 people are expected to attend from across the disability sector and the community. This year’s event will have an Indigenous theme and is being co-designed with people with disability, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
More at NDS events
All Abilities Carnival
Mandurah Eastern Foreshore, Mandurah
2 December 2pm – 6.30pm
An inclusive carnival with entertainment and activities for everyone.
For information email Jacqueline@midwaycc.org.au
All Abilities Dance Night
South Perth Community Hall, South Perth
3 December from 6pm – 8pm
This free evening will include demonstrations from dancers living with a disability and dance instructors. Sports wheelchairs will be available to experience Para Dance.
Information and bookings
There are also events in Bunbury, Geraldton, Boulder, Broome, Northbridge, Kelmscott and Rivervale.
For more events, check out the IDPwD events calendar.
Further reading
First Tasmanian Disability Festival launches in December.
WeThe15 campaign launches in time for Paralympics.
Global trends for diversity and inclusion in business.