International Day of People with Disabilities 2026: A Different Form of Ability

Each year on 3 December, the International Day of People with Disabilities reminds us to reflect on inclusion and equity. But for the extraordinary speakers we’re proud to represent, their influence isn’t limited to one day — their leadership and perspectives resonate year-round.

On stage, they share stories shaped by lived experience, resilience, and innovation. They challenge assumptions, spark new conversations, and show us that ability takes many forms — each one adding richness to our workplaces, communities, and culture.

Think about disability as a different form of ability, as we emphasise the unique worldview that people we deem as ‘disabled’ possess. This is a worldview that enriches our workplaces, our communities, and our culture. 

While 3 December gives us one day to mark the calendar, these speakers demonstrate the value of inclusion every day of the year. Their voices break down barriers, shift perspectives, and provide audiences with practical lessons in resilience, leadership, and possibility.

Whether at a workplace forum, conference, or community event, their stories inspire lasting change and help build a more inclusive future.

Meet the speakers leading these conversations:

 

Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM

Dr Palipana, co-founder of Doctors with Disabilities, has forged an incredible medical career after surviving a spinal cord injury. He brings a unique and personal understanding of systemic barriers in our healthcare system, challenging us to reflect on possible systemic changes for the future of healthcare.

Rhiannon Tracey

After a sudden diving accident at 20 left her quadriplegic, Rhiannon was told she’d never walk again. She refused to accept that future. Instead, she founded The Next Step, a not-for-profit spinal cord injury organisation, and opened a dedicated recovery centre, while also advocating and speaking on lived experience and disability pride.

Ben Popham OAM

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, Ben defied the odds to become a Paralympic swimming champion, winning two golds and a silver medal at the young age of 19. His story is one of focus and determination, which he now brings to the stage to highlight the importance of inclusion and of redefining the “impossible”.

Dylan Alcott AO

Tennis champion, Paralympian and former Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott is a household name for good reason. Known for his charming personality and commitment to helping young people navigate disability, Dylan brings a sense of humour, honesty, and hope to every audience he addresses.

Tilly Lockey

At just 15 months old, Tilly lost both hands to meningococcal disease. Today, she’s a global ambassador for innovation. Working with Open Bionics to design state-of-the-art prosthetics, Tilly is now sharing her journey as a ‘real-life bionic girl’. She’s a voice for the future, demonstrating what’s possible when technology and passion converge.

Kurt Fearnley AO

Born without the lower portion of his spine, Kurt is one of Australia’s most highly praised marathon athletes. From Paralympic gold medals to crawling the Kokoda Track and conquering the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Kurt’s achievements speak volumes. His story of resilience, courage, and kindness moves audiences across Australia.

Katrina Webb OAM

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at two years old, Katrina went on to become a triple Paralympic gold medallist. Today, she helps individuals and organisations realise their potential by speaking on overcoming adversity, nurturing wellbeing, and understanding the power of both visible and hidden disabilities.

 

Whether it’s through sport, health, media, fashion or leadership, our speakers demonstrate that ability can, and does, take many forms. Their stories break down stereotypes and instead build a culture of inclusion that every workplace, school, and event can benefit from.

On top of raising awareness and building more understanding and acceptance, this annual celebration is a call to action to break barriers, contribute to a more inclusive society and champion the richness of our diverse communities. Here at ICMI, we’re ready to help you get involved.

 

Make an Impact, Get Involved

Be part of a vision for a brighter future by promoting greater inclusion for the millions of Aussies living with a disability. Get your business, school, community group or organisation involved in a way that moves the needle on how we listen, include and celebrate people living with a disability. Don’t know where to start? Aim to get first-hand stories and insights from people with disabilities. Invite them to share at your event, conference or seminar while you listen and reflect.

Our team can offer tailored advice and help you match the right speaker with the vision of your event (along with your location, budget and other important tidbits!)

 

What is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?

Launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of People with Disability was established to help advance disability rights and protect the well-being of folks with disabilities. People across the world have since gathered together each year to celebrate this special event.

Around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability according to World Health Organisation stats. Despite this, society too often falls short of catering to them. People with disabilities are shut out of many aspects of life, from work opportunities to social interactions, entertainment, cultural life and more. We all have a role in making this better. This goes beyond basic accessibility needs, which we’re getting better at, though still have a long way to go. 

It’s about breaking down every barrier that could possibly limit living life to the fullest for our loved ones with disabilities. By listening to their stories and spreading awareness of the issues that matter to them, we’re best equipped to fight for the rights of people living with disabilities throughout their lives. 

 

Celebrating Diversity and Embracing Inclusion

Truly celebrating inclusion and diversity means championing what makes each of us authentically us. It’s about more than being present. It’s about feeling like you’re an active participant and that you’re valued for who you are and have a strong sense of belonging. It’s also about autonomy, where we have the options and control to make choices about how we can participate in society and live our lives to the fullest.

 

Ways to Get Involved in International Day of People with Disabilities

Join us in celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities in 2026. There’s a ton of ways to get involved, including:

• Hosting events such as seminars, workshops, or community events featuring guest speakers on disability inclusivity and awareness.
• Supporting organisations by partnering with local disability advocates and charities, from volunteering to donating.
• Host accessible activities like inclusive arts exhibitions, sports, music events or film screenings that touch on themes or messaging around disability issues and rights,
• Facilitating educational workshops that advocate for accessibility, including exploring assistive technology, accessible infrastructure, transportation, and digital platforms to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services.
• Recognising and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities in your workplace, school, community and beyond.
• Sharing stories and first hand experiences of persons with disabilities by inviting guest diversity and inclusion speakers to your business, school or community event to foster greater empathy and understanding.
• Organising cultural events showcasing the talents of people with disabilities through music, theatre and arts.
• Raising awareness through social media campaigns and digital content using #IDPD to educate, celebrate and advocate for people with disabilities.
• Engaging in advocacy and discussions for disability rights and policies in organisations and communities, such as how we can enhance accessibility.
• Fundraising for disability causes with charity events and drives, including involving businesses, schools and local government representatives.

No matter how you want to get involved with the International Day of People with Disability, make sure you involve people with disabilities. This means your initiatives are more likely to be genuinely impactful, inclusive and meaningful ways to show support for the wellbeing, rights and perspectives of individuals with disabilities.

Diversity & Inclusion Speakers

 

As we mark International Day of People with Disabilities in 2026, we should also consider how to create space for these conversations all year round. Whether you’re planning an end-of-year event, developing inclusive workplace policies, or simply looking to inspire your team, these speakers are ready and able to shift perspectives.

 

Interested in booking one of our speakers for International Day of People with Disability 2026? Call us now on 1800 334 625 or make an enquiry online.