Every year on 3 December, we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). It’s a chance to reflect on inclusion, challenge assumptions, and recognise the importance of building a society where everyone can belong and thrive.
This year’s theme of “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress” reflects the work happening across Aruma all year long.
Championing inclusion through lived experience
At Aruma, inclusion is shaped by the voices of people with disability. We saw this clearly at our recent Human Rights Conference, where speakers invited us to smash stereotypes about disability and celebrate individuality.
From heartfelt personal stories to creative performances, the day highlighted what’s possible when barriers are removed and people are free to live life their way.
As advocate and performer Nell Tyler shared:
“A huge stereotype is that my disability is what’s stopping me from achieving greatness. If I don’t have the help, if I don’t have the facilities, if I don’t have the equipment, that’s what stops me, but it isn’t my disability.”
The stories shared at our Human Rights Conference highlight what IDPwD is all about: listening, centring lived experience, and working together to create meaningful change.
Celebrating creativity in Gippsland
This year, our Gippsland team is marking IDPwD with a community art exhibition featuring works by local artists with disability.
“We’ve been blown away by the response from local artists and community groups who have taken up the opportunity to get involved. We’re proud to be hosting an event that celebrates and uplifts people with disabilities by showcasing their incredible talents for the wider community to connect with,” says Chris McGlenchy, Executive General Manager Shared Living.
Club Aruma participant, Jodie, has entered the Exhibition with a multicoloured vertical garden artwork and say she loves art to express herself and her imagination.
Looking forward
IDPwD is a moment to celebrate, but it’s also a reminder that inclusion is ongoing work. Every conversation, every act of allyship, every barrier removed contributes to a more inclusive society.
Thank you to everyone across Aruma who continues to champion human rights, representation and belonging, today and every day.
Want to know how Aruma can support you or your loved ones? Contact our team today.
