Personal stories bring IDPwD to life

The stories and successes of people with lived experience were celebrated across the globe on 3 December, during International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

Challenging the way the community thinks about disability, and helping to grow a more inclusive Australia, IDPwD 2022 was underscored by the appointment of ambassadors from around the country, who pledged support to help promote the achievements and contributions of people with disability and champion inclusion.

IDPwD is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year. In Australia, celebrating IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services, funds a national program and a website to help promote and raise awareness of the day.

The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

We were inspired by the stories of the 2022 ambassadors.

• Akii Ngo is a womxn of colour with disability who has experienced violence. You can listen to and read about Akii’s experiences here. Akii is passionate about letting womxn experiencing difficulty know they can seek support and help and speak up about it.
• Nathan Basha is a motivational speaker and filmmaker from Sydney who advocates for inclusion in the workplace through his business, No Barriers. You can find out more about Nathan here.
• Chloe Hayden is an actor and author, currently performing a lead role in the remake of the television series Heartbreak High. You can find her ‘neurodivergent’s guide to embracing your true self and embracing your happily ever after’ here.
• Uncle Wilfred Prince is an Indigenous elder with cerebral palsy who founded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland. You can read Uncle Wilfred’s story here.
• Eliza Hull is a musician, writer, speaker and Radio National podcaster who’s changing the way the world views disability. Click here to find out more about Eliza.
• Julie, Braeden and the Jones family are co-founders of Travel Without Limits, founders of the website Have Wheelchair Will Travel, and advocates for accessible and inclusive tourism. You can discover more about them here.

My Plan Manager is proud to serve the disability community and to celebrate its stories and achievements.