Amplifying voices for International Day for People With Disability

BCYF is celebrating International Day for People with Disability by amplifying the voices of those living with disability.

IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated on December 3 each year. The day is aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. This is a day to break down barriers and promote greater awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disability – challenging the way we think about disability to help become a more inclusive nation.

The People with disability in Australia 2022 report states 1 in 6 Australians are estimated to have disability or about 4.4 million people.

The report indicates that 48 per cent of working-age (aged 15-64) people with disability are employed, compared with 80 per cent without disability.

These statistics tell us that we are all sure to know someone living with disability, and quite likely have people in our lives who we don’t realise have disability.

BCYF staff Shay, Monica and Mandy have each shared their experiences and perspectives about living and working with disability.

Also part of International Day of People With Disability, BCYF Early Childhood practitioners have been out and about to engage with children and educators throughout the region, through place-based learning, discussions and resource sharing.

Over the past week, 13 practitioners visited Belmont Kindergarten, Wydinia Kindergarten, Whittington Child and Family Centre, Leopold Early Learning Centre, Grovedale Child and Family Centre, Korayn Birralee Kindergartens and Bethany playgroups to recognise and acknowledge the 4.4 million Australians with disability, and reflect on the impacts and supports available in the early years. 

Practitioners read books from The Abilities In Me series by author Gemma Keir. The series includes 17 titles that encourage kindness, acceptance, inclusion and knowledge around disability, each based on a real-life child including Gemma’s own son, who lives with 22q deletion.

Pictured above is ECEI Practitioner Kelly Roberts, who read the Autism The Abilities In Me book at Belmont Kindergarten on Wednesday.

BCYF works to support children and families across the region during their early years. Our services including Early Years Supports and the Early Childhood Approach in partnership with NDIS, support parents and carers who have young children with a wide range of needs and abilities.

Their experiences and reflections are also important to amplify on this significant date.

Thank you to Erin and Malu for sharing their story, which you can watch below.

If you need support, please contact BCYF by calling 03 5226 8900.