International Day of People with Disability – 3 December

Many disabilities are invisible; and they can be realised by people at all stages in life in various forms.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is recognised each year on 3 December to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. The day focuses on removing physical, technological and attitudinal barriers to inclusion.  

The theme for IDPwD 2024 is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. Support for people with disabilities is not limited to one day. It’s an ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.  

There are a variety of ways members can support or participate in IDPwD and help make a difference.  

• All CFA members have free membership to Diversity Council of Australia, a reliable source of research. Sign up here. 

• Check out CFA’s Inclusive Language Guide to help promote inclusive language, be mindful of your language and encourage others to use inclusive and respectful language  

• Reflect on your attitudes and behaviours and challenge your assumptions.  

• Remember that support for people with disabilities is not limited to one day. It’s an ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society. 

More ways you can get involved: 

Show visible support   

• Add a virtual background to your online meeting or add messaging to your email signature 

• Put up resources to have available on display to spread awareness
   
• Add 3 December to your calendar  

• Post photos online to show your support on brigade and district Facebook pages and use the hashtag #IDPwD  

Seek out or hold a local event  

• Run your own event by using resources available at IDPwD 

• Encourage and support staff members from your brigade or office to attend these events to demonstrate support and understanding 

• Support IDPwD events in your local community, you can find events through the IDPwD community event calendar 

Start the conversation 

• Join or start a conversation in your workplace/community to promote awareness and understanding 

• Initiate a conversation at your team meeting and promote open and respectful discussions using resources from hosting accessible and inclusive online meetings and events 

Increase your awareness to help create an inclusive environment 

• Complete learning modules available on CFA’s Learning Hub:
  
  • SBS Disability Inclusion 
  • Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for
  • Prevent Detect Escape - Home Fire Safety for people at higher risk   

• Read the A-Z of Disability Etiquette and get familiar with the best language and etiquette tips when talking to someone living with a disability 
  
  
• Get familiar with information on Reasonable Adjustments on Members Online 

• Explore Disability and Accessibility resources from Diversity Council Australia (DCA).  

• Read Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) People with disability in Australia 2024 which presents information about experiences and outcomes for people with disability across various aspects of life. 

For tips if you're planning an event or for more information visit the IDPwD website. 

To share your event photos or for assistance from the Diversity and Team, contact us at diversityandinclusion@cfa.vic.gov.au