Championing Inclusion: What International Day of People with Disability means this year

Each year, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) invites us to reflect and take meaningful action towards a more inclusive world. The United Nations has announced the 2025 theme:

Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.

It’s a theme that reminds us that progress is not only measured by innovation or economic growth, but by how well we support, include, and celebrate every member of our community.

IDPwD acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths of people with disability. With over 5.5 million Australians identifying as having a disability, this day highlights a fundamental truth: disability is a natural part of human diversity. It is something to be respected and embraced, not viewed as something that makes a person “less than”.

This year’s theme encourages us to examine the physical, technological, and attitudinal barriers that still exist. Ramps and accessible technology are essential, but so is fostering a culture that values inclusion and understands the lived experiences of people with disability. Attitudinal barriers can be the most pervasive, and the most harmful. Changing perceptions, breaking down stereotypes, and encouraging open curiosity – especially in children – helps build a society that sees disability not as a deficit, but simply another way of being.

At Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA), we see every day how inclusion can transform lives. We are proud to provide highly trained Assistance Dogs to people within the disability community, supporting greater independence, safety, and confidence. However, one significant challenge many of our recipients continue to face is public access awareness. Despite clear legislation, misunderstandings around the rights of Assistance Dogs remain common, which causes unnecessary stress and exclusion for the individuals who rely on them.

ADA is committed to advocating for improved public understanding and protecting public access rights. We’re working to ensure that our community not only recognises Assistance Dogs but respects the essential role they play in the daily lives of their handlers. With greater awareness, we can remove these barriers and foster more welcoming public spaces for everyone.

As we celebrate IDPwD 2025, we invite you to join us in building a more inclusive Australia: one where all people are valued, understood, and supported. When we foster disability-inclusive communities, we don’t just advance social progress, we lay the foundations for a more compassionate Australia.