Neighbourhood Watch groups and other members of the community are encouraged to recognise International Day of People with Disability.

Neighbourhood Watch groups and other members of the community are encouraged to recognise International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December. The aim of IDPwD is to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of the 5.5 million people with disability in Australia.

Each year the United Nations (UN) announces a theme for the day that gives a focus for society to remove barriers for people with disability and become more inclusive. This year’s theme is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.

In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals.

By gathering to celebrate this day, we can help ensure inclusion of the one in five people living with disability in Australia and contribute to positive change in our community.

This is a great opportunity for Neighbourhood Watch groups to get involved by organising their own event, getting involved in  an already planned event, creating a disability action plan or just starting a conversations with their group members and local community about access and inclusion of people with disability.

Organise an IDPwD event

You can help break down barriers and promote inclusiveness by encouraging your local school, workplace, community group or your local Neighbourhood Watch group to organise an IDPwD event on or around 3 December.

The IDPwD website has a wide range of resources to help you organise the event, including logos and branding, social media tiles, inclusion resources, fact sheets, an editable power-point presentation and event information kits.

Take part in a planned IDPwD event

You can connect with your local community, including people with disability, their families and carers by taking part in an IDPwD event on or around 3 December. Find planned events in your local area on the IDPwD events calendar.

Take action

IDPwD is a good time to make a commitment within your workplace or community group including Neighbourhood Watch groups to:

• develop a new disability action plan
• support a local disability organisation
• initiate and encourage conversations about disability inclusion and accessibility.