International Day of People with Disability

3 Dec 2015: Today is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD). Their are lots of events planned with the purpose of recognising the progress made in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.

While browsing the IDPWD Facebook page, an article written by Carly Findlay caught my eye. In the article she talks about the day from a different perspective and how people could do things differently to improve it.

They'll hear people with disabilities talk, and for the most part, that speech will make a positive impact, perhaps even create meaningful change. Hopefully, the speaker will be paid. Some people will feel uncomfortable by disabled people talking about ableism and inaccessibility - they're just attending to hear the Inspirational Stories.
- Carly Findlay

I think this paragraph highlights the reality of the day for many. People are usually vocal in their support of a cause because it gives them a sense of doing something good, even if they haven't done anything.

When you show people the issues being faced in society some become uncomfortable. For some it's because they feel guilty about not doing anything and want to help, but don't know how. For others it's because they never really intended to do anything beyond speaking about it. They just wanted to spread inspirational stories and not work on the real issues.

I think it's great that there's a day for people to show their support. But it shouldn't go back to business as usual when the sun comes up the next morning. Change takes time, but we should always be working towards it.

Until people recognise what disabled people can bring to the work place and to society it will be hard to get them involved. Like it or not, people are more willing to help when the situation affects them or they gain something from it.

To read everything Carly has to say, go to this article on dailylife.com.au

To find out more about IDPWD visit: idpwd.com.au