We joined millions around the world celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This is a day dedicated to awareness, inclusion, and recognising the incredible contributions of people with disability across our communities.
IDPwD is a chance to create positive change for the 5.5 million Australians living with disability. It reflects our mission to support people to achieve their goals and be included in their communities.
The theme for 2025 is ‘fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. It calls on all of us to work together to build fairer communities where rights are respected, and everyone can thrive.
How the People’s Rights Committee is driving change
Ability Options is committed to making sure the voices of the people we support are heard. Our People’s Rights Committee (PRC) plays a key role in this by helping participants feel safe, supported, and confident to speak up.
Chaired and led by people living with disability, the committee advocates for people’s rights, working alongside Ability Options as a sector leader in shaping change. Amanda and Grant are Chair and Deputy Chair respectively, and recently worked on our Speak Up Campaign.
Amanda and Grant were awarded for their contributions to Ability Options at our 2025 STAR Awards.
The participant-led campaign was driven by a shared goal to encourage and empower people living with disability, those in their networks, and the wider community to advocate and have their voices heard.
You can watch the Speak Up video here.
This year, the People’s Rights Committee also reviewed internal policies and co-designed resources to include the perspectives of the people they are designed to support – our participants. This included revamping EasyRead templates and selecting more contemporary, inclusive imagery.
Members of our PRC encouraged Ability Options staff to actively support participants in understanding their right to vote, helping ensure that the voices of people with disability were heard and represented in the 2025 Federal Election.
Leading voices of the PRC
To mark IDPwD, Amanda and Grant share what inclusion means to them and why speaking up matters.
“Celebrating International Day of People with Disability means spending time with the People’s Rights Committee — a space where inclusion is lived every day.”
Amanda, Chair – People’s Rights Committee
Amanda believes speaking up helps people feel understood and respected. For her, inclusion starts with fairness: treating people as equals, involving them in activities, and asking for their opinions without fear or judgment. Her advice is simple — don’t be afraid to reach out; there’s always someone ready to listen.
Amanda feels most included at her Day Program and within the PRC, where belonging is real. When asked what needs to change to make the world better for people with disability, her answer is clear: “Have everyone be nice to each other.”
“Speaking up is powerful — it makes people feel heard and included.”
Grant, Deputy Chair – People’s Rights Committee
For Grant, IDPwD is about connection and celebration, like spending time with the PRC at their Christmas party. He sees inclusion as helping people out, talking to them, and making sure they’re part of everyday life. His message is simple: Help and look after each other.
Grant feels most included on Saturdays at the pub, catching up with friends. When asked what needs to change to make the world better for people with disability, his answer is just as clear: “Help them out and look after them.”
Moving forward
International Day of People with Disability reminds us that inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s something we can build together every day.
Every voice matters, and we are committed to working alongside the people we support and their families to ensure people with disability are heard, respected and included not only in our services but in shaping broader systems.
