International Day of People with Disability (I-Day), held on Wednesday 3 December, is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people with disability, tackle disability discrimination, and come together to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr MLA, said she hoped all Canberrans would get involved in community-led I-Day activities across the ACT.
"More than 80,000 Canberrans identify as people with disability and I-Day is an opportunity to acknowledge their valuable contributions to our community," Minister Orr said.
"The ACT Government is committed to breaking down barriers and building a Canberra where people with disability can fully participate in all areas of life. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing partnerships with people with disability to drive meaningful and lasting change."
The ACT I-Day theme for 2025 is: Halting Hate, Finding Kindness – Rebuilding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the 2020s. This year's theme invites us to lead with empathy and reject discrimination in all its forms.
"Everyone has a role to play in ending discrimination, promoting inclusive attitudes and behaviours, and ensuring that people with disability can thrive in our community. This I-Day, let's all take action to make the ACT more inclusive and accessible," Minister Orr said.
In 2024, the ACT became the first jurisdiction in Australia to hand over full management of I-Day to people with disability. The day is now led by a Community Steering Committee, co-chaired by Advocacy for Inclusion and Women with Disabilities ACT.
Minister Orr thanked the individuals and community organisations involved in planning this year's events for their work to make I-Day a success.
You can find out more about the events happening in the ACT for I-Day 2025.
Quotes attributable to Craig Wallace, Acting CEO of Advocacy for Inclusion:
"3 December is the United Nations International Day of People with Disability and the community theme this year is Halting Hate, Finding Kindness: Towards a Welcoming Community. An array of events and publications will invite people to open minds and doors. The program includes a themed edition of the Canberra Weekly with a multi-page Celebration Pass lift-out with events, conversation starters, inclusion ideas, discounts and offers for all Canberrans. There's a spotlight on transport with fantastic opportunities and events with Canberra Metro. We're also publishing an Arts Showcase featuring creative work, images, poetry and prose by people with disability, plus an I-Day themed edition of the Independent Assessment Podcast.
"The highlight of the Day will be the must-see online event from 12 noon on 3 December emceed by ABC Canberra's Saskia Mabin, known to viewers and listeners from ABC Radio, who will open with the launch of IDAY in the ACT by the acclaimed actor Michael Theo. Michael is the breakout star of ABC's Love on the Spectrum and Austin. Michael will be followed by a special message from Professor Nicolas Levrat, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, and a thought-provoking panel including Professor Gerard Goggin, Dr. Ashleigh Haw, Professor Nicole Asquith and more. There is lots to do, ponder, savour and attend on I-Day and we'd love everyone in Canberra to join us!"
