Observing International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is observed each year on 3 December and aims to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. Acknowledging IDPwD in this way provides an opportunity to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community for the 5.5 million people with disability in Australia.

Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 provides a national disability policy framework to improve the lives of people with disability. At ACU, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where all staff and students can flourish, which includes providing support for people with disabilities.

Take the challenge

It’s timely to reflect on how we can all contribute to promoting and embedding inclusivity and diversity at ACU.

Take the challenge - what can you do differently? Here are some simple ideas:

• Choose inclusion - don’t let unconscious bias and formed attitudes limit our ability to embrace difference and build a workplace culture that values diversity. Take a moment to watch the “It’s not hard to be inclusive” – a humorous and thought-provoking short video from the Australian Disability Network (ADN). Want more? Then check out the 10 Tips for Inclusive Attitudes.

• Organise inclusive meetings – think about the way meetings are held. Are they accessible? Do some staff need assistance to attend? Are the meetings scheduled on days that all team members can attend? Check out these tips for hosting accessible and inclusive online and in-person meetings and events.

• Inclusive communication – creates a sense of belonging, promotes equitable participation and enhances the overall quality of communication for everyone. Check out these simple inclusive communication tips.

• Supporting staff – do you have a staff member who requires additional support or an adjustment? Take the time to familiarise yourself with the information available from the ACU People with disabilities webpage.

• Become a Sunflower Champion – ACU is a participant in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program which supports persons with hidden disabilities. Sunflower lanyards, wristbands, and badges allow staff and students to discreetly signal when they may need extra patience, understanding, or support. Together with our Sunflower Champions, we’re creating a compassionate and supportive campus culture.

Empowering students with disability

Our Access and Disability Service provides tailored reasonable adjustments and transition guides to ensure students succeed.

Our academic staff work closely with the Access and Disability Service to implement Education Inclusion Plans (EIPs), ensuring equitable access to learning; both on campus, and online. Our efforts have significantly contributed to increasing participation rates, with the proportion of enrolled students registering with the Access and Disability Service rising from 5.4 per cent in 2017 to 7.8 per cent in 2024.

What else can you do?

Take some time to look at ACU’s programs, policies and resources to enhance diversity and inclusion outcomes at work. You are encouraged to read the Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion Framework, Gender Equality Action Plan, Athena Swan Action Plan, and check out our GEDI initiatives.

For more information about how you can get involved and support International Day of People with Disability, visit the Australian Disability Network and the inclusion resources available from the IDPwD website.