International Day of People with Disabilities 2025: 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.

This year, ICMI invites you to 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 calandar, 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. As we mark International Day of People with Disabilities in 2025, 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 2025? Call us now on 1800 334 625 or make an enquiry online.