Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Amplifying Voices and Celebrating Leadership

Each year on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) highlights the importance of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities. This day, established by the United Nations (UN) in 1992, aims to increase awareness of disability rights and promote the integration of persons with disabilities in all facets of society, from economic to cultural life.

The 2024 theme of IDPD, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the UN’s crucial role in driving progress forward for the entire global disability community which is a piece of their overall current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s events will feature discussions and cultural performances, including an installation by Heidi Latsky Dance at the UN Headquarters. These initiatives underscore the value of diversity and the necessity of accessible environments for everyone​.

Reflecting on Some of the Leaders of Our Movement Who Have Gone Before Us

Globally, the IDPD invites governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on progress and remaining challenges. From enhancing access to healthcare and education to ensuring representation in decision-making, the day reaffirms a collective commitment to a more inclusive world​.

Disability is Strength. Our number one issue is still old attitudes toward us, and those old attitudes see us as helpless and unable and disability can make you very strong and very able.

~ Ed Roberts

For we are leaders of inclusiveness and community, of love, equity, and justice.

~ Judith Heumann

My Personal Perspective on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

As a disability advocate who has devoted her daily life to the cause for the past several years, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) holds profound meaning for me. This annual observance is more than a day of awareness—it’s a platform for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities, celebrating our achievements, and highlighting our essential contributions to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” aligns perfectly with my mission to break barriers and redefine societal perceptions. True inclusion means recognizing that people with disabilities are not just participants but leaders in shaping policies, driving innovation, and fostering equity in workplaces and communities.

IDPD reminds us that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about creating environments where everyone can thrive. From accessible design in workplaces to equitable opportunities in leadership roles, the path forward lies in embracing diversity as a strength.

For me personally, I’m embracing my strength by starting my day off at 4:30am shaking off the early stages of a flu caught over Thanksgiving by preparing for a double header of speeches to a global leader in pharmaceuticals, GSK, followed by a return appearance at one of the leading news outlets in our nation and world PBS WETA.

The impact of the work I do can sometimes seem like it is barely making a ripple in the waves of our oceans yet these ripples given enough frequency, space and time turn into unstoppable waves that shape the coastlines, lands and people of our world.

After my back to back speeches to these amazing organizations who will hear my Heart of Inclusion and Embracing Intersectionality Through the Lens of Disability keynotes I will work on the finishing touches of releasing this article while I also finishing packing for a trip I will take later this evening to Southern California once again to attend my quarterly meeting of the California Department of Insurance to represent People with Disabilities Business Enterprise and further bringing the voice, needs and representation of people with disabilities to the insurance industry of California which trickles to the rest of the 50 states and our world really.

The following day will nearly round out my year of speaking events with a double performance at the Conejo Unified School District’s Sequoia Middle Schools student body delivering a rendition of my Disabling Ableism TEDx to another back to back session event to the junior high’s hundreds of students and administrators. Leaving me with a final virtual speaking event with Microsoft.

Looking Back at the Previous Year of Advocacy and Ahead to Setting Goals for the Next

On this day, I reflect on my journey and the collective strides made in advancing disability rights. But I also recognize the work ahead. Let’s use this platform to champion policies that ensure accessibility, empower individuals, and drive systemic change. Together, we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead and succeed.

IDPD falling near the very end of the calendar year gives us a natural opportunity to travel back through the events, moments, conversations and key connections that helped shape us, change our narratives and help us grow in learning something new. The last chance to celebrate disability in the year helps us shed away the ups and downs of the years accomplishments, mis-hits and realize the opportunities that still remain.