International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held every year on 3 December. It’s a global moment to recognise the rights, achievements and contributions of people with disability and to turn awareness into everyday inclusion. The 2025 theme, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress” invites all Australians to examine the world around them and look for ways to be inclusive every single day. An inclusive society where everyone has a voice, is a better society for everyone.
Help us put disability front and centre this IDPwD
While one in five Australians has disability, people with disability appear in only a tiny fraction of mainstream advertising – just three per cent!
This IDPwD we’re running a campaign to secure donated media space, access to other organisation’s internal or external channels or funding to get people with disability seen in mainstream media – where representation is still far too low.
We’re asking our Melba community to help us spread the word.
How you can help
Together, we can make sure people with disability are not just acknowledged but truly seen, heard and celebrated in mainstream media this IDPwD and help to shape a more inclusive future.
Share our CEO letter with a business or contact
Request a personalised letter from Hayley Dean, our CEO, asking for support in the form of media space, funding or access to internal communications channels. We will provide the creative and artwork for any media agency or outlet.
Request letterDonate to extend our reach with more media space.
100% of media space or funds will be used to promote IDPwD.
Donate today
How can I support inclusion?
Here are practical, everyday actions everyone can take to foster inclusive communities and advance social progress:
- Listen and follow the lead of people with disability. Pay for expertise when asking for advice or codesign.
- Make spaces accessible: accessible entries and bathrooms, clear signage, quiet areas, good lighting, hearing loops.
- Make information accessible: Plain English, Easy Read, captions/subtitles, alt text, Auslan/interpreters, translations.
- Normalise representation: include people with disability in your photos, panels, marketing and media every day (not just on 3 December).
- Hire inclusively: offer adjustments in recruitment and onboarding, flexible work, accessible tech, and clear role requirements.
- Codesign services, events and policies with people with disability – and budget for access needs.
- Challenge ableism: use respectful language, avoid stereotypes, and call out exclusion and barriers when you see them.
- Choose accessible venues and providers; ask “Is this event, site or service accessible?” and act on the answer.
- Support civic and community participation: accessible voting, sport, arts, volunteering and leadership opportunities.
- Advocate: ask your employer, council, school and MP to commit to accessibility standards and inclusive practice.
Start today:
- Add captions to your videos, alt text to your images, and make your venue or next event accessible.
- Invite a person with disability to codesign your next project – and pay them for their time.
What is ISPwD
How to get involved in IDPwD
New to disability and not sure how to start the conversation?
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If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, contact us today.
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Melba Support Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises First Peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures, and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for future leaders.