Join global celebration of International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally on 3 December. It aims to promote public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.  

IDPwD represents a significant opportunity for Australian organisations to share their commitment, campaigns, leadership and stories of empowerment related to inclusion of people with disability in the workforce. 

We recognise the impact of COVID-19 and the ability for many organisations to hold events and activitiesSo, this year we have partnered with the global #PurpleLightUp campaign to bring you a whole new way of celebrating 

#PurpleLightUp is a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million employees with disability around the world. This year it will be bigger than ever before, with a free 24-hour Global Broadcast 

From sunrise in Australia, across six continents, to sunset in New York, this event will bring together CEOs, senior champions, ERG leaders and employees with disability to connect, share their stories and feel the power of change. 

The ‘purple spotlight’ will be turned on Oceania on 3rd December between 9am and 12pm, showcasing the amazing strides that organisations and individuals are making in terms of disability inclusion. AND will be hosting interviews, panel discussions, videos, and celebrations! Come join us at this 24-hour party with a purpose and help make 3 December the biggest day on the disability inclusion agenda.  

#PurpleLightUp encourages organisations to go purple for a day to celebrate the economic power of people with disability. Save the date and watch this space for more information on how to register and be involved. 

Other great ways to recognise the day 

Launch a new policy, plan or initiative 

What better time to announce a new policy, plan or initiative related to inclusion of people with disability than on IDPwD? Take the opportunity to engage your staff, celebrate your organisation’s commitment and leadership, and share the initiative with your customers and stakeholders. 

Host a virtual Morning or Afternoon tea

IDPwD-themed cupcakes, anyone? If you’re in your workplace, invite all your employees to a yummy (socially distancedmorning tea and talk. If you’re not in the office – have a virtual morning or afternoon tea with BYO cake. 

An internal event is a wonderful way to celebrate the skills and contributions that employees with disability contribute to your organisation.  

Last year, Austrade invited Graeme Innes to present at their internal event and talk about changing attitudesKen Wedgwood, Disability Champion and Chief Financial Officersaid Graeme opened the minds of many employees and encouraged everyone to consciously challenge their perceptions of disability.

Encourage your people to learn 

A lunch-and-learn or similar activity will not only support your people to engage with IDPwD, but learn from it, too. This can be done virtually through our eLearning courses to increase your team’s disability awareness and understanding.  

Or, how about an information session to help you bring an internal project to life? It could be a great way to generate interest and understanding by talking about the wider impacts that make the project so worthwhile. 

Celebrate extraordinary contributions in leadership by people with disability 

The National Awards for Disability Leadership recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions and leadership shown by individuals with disability and inclusive organisations. 

Gather your colleagues for an awards party and tune in to the live webcast to celebrate those who’ve significantly contributed to advancing people with disability. 

Organisations across Australia will be celebrating IDPwD differently due to the varied COVID-19 restrictions. Whichever way you will be celebrating this year, let us know!  

Share your contribution, discover new ideas and keep in touch with this important occasion by using #IDPD (global) and #IDPWD (Australia). 

Workplace resources you can download and use to promote IDPwD are available on the Australian IDPwD website. 

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