It’s just under two weeks until International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This year, to mark IDPwD, NDS, supported by the Department of Communities is excited to share the stories of five Western Australians with disability on the Disability WA Facebook page, commencing on 30 November 2020.

Among the West Australians featured across the week of International Day of People with Disability is Tyler Hartfield, a Year 11 student from Denmark Senior High School. This year Tyler enjoyed worldwide acclaim with his remarkable song, The One You Feed, which was brought to life with the support and friendship of his music class bandmates. Since featuring on the ABC in August, Tyler’s song has earned more than a million “likes” and even caught the attention of his idol, Nick Cave, who called it “genuinely thrilling”.

How you can get involved

• Like and follow the Disability WA Facebook page
• Check in daily at 10am from 30 November – 4 December 2020 and like and share the stories we highlight each day as we collectively celebrate the stories of people with disability in WA.
• Share stories to your social media highlighting the achievements and contributions of people with disability in WA. Tag Disability WA and use the hashtags #InclusiveWA #DisableStereotypes #IDPWD
• Bring people together and share the message of inclusion and diversity by hosting your own small localised event to mark IDPwD. Use the hashtags above and tag DisabilityWA in your social media so we can share and promote disability awareness and inclusion in WA.
• Download, print and share the materials and resources from International Day of People with Disability.
  

NDS is also lighting up key landmarks across Perth on IDPwD; including Crown Hotel, Elizabeth Quay, Graham Farmer Freeway Tunnel, Matagarup Bridge, Mount Street Bridge, Optus Stadium, Perth Bell Tower, Sky Ribbon (Tonkin Highway and Leach Highway) and Yagan Square.

This year on IDPwD, the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon. Stephen Dawson, MLC will launch NDS’s exciting new campaign ‘This Bay Is Someone’s Day’ which aims to reduce the misuse of ACROD Parking bays across Western Australia and beyond. Make sure you follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations-sanctioned day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability. This year's theme is 'Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World'.