- Grants totalling $100,000 will support 87 events and activities across Western Australia to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) 2026
- Celebrated on 3 December every year, this year's IDPwD theme is 'Valued. Included. Leading.'
- Initiatives and events highlight achievements and contributions of Western Australians with disability
Grant funding of $100,000 from the Cook Labor Government will support 87 inclusive events and activities across Western Australia in celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).
IDPwD is a United Nations-sanctioned day recognised on 3 December each year. The day aims to celebrate people with disability and raise public awareness and understanding to create more inclusive communities.
The theme for this year's IDPwD in WA is 'Valued. Included. Leading.'
This theme celebrates the contributions of people with disability and the important role they play in our communities. It reinforces the message that when people are valued for their strengths and included in community life, they are empowered to contribute, influence change, and lead their own way.
This year, 85 organisations and local governments across WA will host in total 87 events and activities that recognise and celebrate people with disability. Some of this year's events include:
- multiple screenings of 'Boss Cat', a fully inclusive Australian feature film about family, determination and finding your voice in which a young woman with Down syndrome fights to remain in the home she loves;
- Swimming WA's All Abilities Swimming Carnival, which invites individuals with a disability to attend a fun come and try session (with free, healthy smoothies from Healthway);
- an inclusive Sports Showcase at the Shire of Capel's Dalyellup Jingle & Mingle Festival that will provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in adaptive and inclusive sports activities;
- Chorus Australia's 'I AM' art exhibition in Mandurah, which will celebrate creativity, individuality, and inclusion;
- the 2026 Australian Para Sailing Championships and 2026 WA Para Sailing Championships, where some 200 individuals of all ages and abilities enjoy the thrill of competition on water and camaraderie on shore;
- Fishability's 'Leading the Catch' event, which will focus on empowering young people with disability to take on active leadership roles in recreation and outdoor sports;
- an official screening of 'The Remarkable Everyday Project' at ACE Camera Club in Albany to celebrate individual perspectives, talents, interests, and everyday experiences; and
- 'Big Machines, Every Brain', an all-abilities community open day in the City of Cockburn where children and young people can safely get up close to real working machinery - a tipper truck, a water cart, an excavator, and a prime mover
The full list of recipients for the IDPwD 2026 grants program is available at www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/international-day-of-people-disability-idpwd-grant-recipients
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"International Day of People with Disability is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to celebrate the incredible contributions of Western Australians with disability.
"As Minister, I am delighted to announce $100,000 in grant funding to these 85 organisations and local governments to support events and activities that raise awareness right across our State.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to building a more inclusive WA and supporting opportunities for people with disability to participate meaningfully in all parts of society.
"This year's International Day of People with Disability events have something for everyone, and I encourage everyone to support the activities in their area and celebrate the achievements of people with disability in WA."
