3 December 2025
Work is well underway on the next Northern Territory Disability Action Plan as celebrations get underway for International Day of People with Disability, held annually on 3 December.
The global theme this year is 'Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress' - reflecting the Territory's ongoing commitment to removing barriers and ensuring everyone can participate fully in community life.
Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC) Chief Executive Officer Samantha Livesley said the theme aligns closely with the Northern Territory Disability Strategy 2022-2032 and recent Action Plan community consultations.
Led by DPSC's Office of Disability, the second Action Plan under the Strategy will outline agreed actions for the Northern Territory Government to deliver over the next three years. The final plan is supported by disability advocacy partners across the Territory to ensure regional and remote voices are included.
"The message from the community was clear: inclusion must be embedded in every part of daily life. Our work must continue to strengthen inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for the almost 32,000 Territorians with disability.
"International Day of People with Disability reminds us that inclusion must be practical and visible - in classrooms, workplaces, public spaces, recreational facilities and information systems. We are committed to making inclusion a reality, not an aspiration.
"People with disability are leaders, creators, advocates, colleagues and community builders. Their contribution shapes our workplaces, schools, arts, sport and civic life," Ms Livesley said.
The Mini Paralympics held in Alice Springs and Darwin earlier this year, are an example of how creating inclusive programs and pathways can help people with disability not only participate but excel. Delivered by the Department's Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA) Para Pathways Unit, these events and the programs delivered through the NTSA, are giving young Para athletes the opportunity to realise their Paralympic dreams.
"The Para Sport Unit is helping more Territorians discover what's possible," Ms Livesley said.
"It strengthens community participation and builds clear pathways for emerging athletes to move from grassroots sport to national competition."
Across the Territory, work continues to deliver on the NT Disability Strategy including:
Inclusive education: A new purpose-built secondary special education school in Palmerston will support students with additional needs in Years 7 - 12.More inclusive workplaces: The NT Public Sector EmployAbility Strategy 2024-2027 is supporting agencies to increase disability representation to 8% by 2027, backed by better workplace adjustments and career pathways.Advocacy and rights: Ongoing support for Integrated Disability Action, Disability Advocacy Service, Darwin Community Legal Service and Carers NT to strengthen representation and help Territorians navigate complex systems.Accessible parks and natural spaces: Parks and Wildlife upgrades include improved pathways and viewing areas, enhancements to the Territory Parks Alive program, and planning for a specialty hoist at Leliyn (Edith Falls) to improve access for wheelchair users.Accessible events and tourism: The NT Major Events Company, Darwin Festival and Darwin Airport have adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Tourism and Events NT has also introduced the Territory's first portable Changing Places facility, supporting people with high support needs to attend major events for longer.
With more than 1 in 8 Territorians living with a disability, the Northern Territory faces challenges unlike those in other jurisdictions. The Territory is home to culturally diverse communities including a large Aboriginal population, remote communities and vast geographical areas, and a complex service landscape.
Feedback from community consultation on the next Action Plan is currently being collated and the final Action Plan is expected to be released once feedback has been assessed and incorporated.
