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The International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) was introduced by the United Nations in 1992 and has been supported by the Australian Government since 1996. Taking place on December 3 each year, this day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The theme for 2024 is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Disability Projects Office has prepared a range of helpful media resources for the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disability.

Parish Bulletin Notes

What Does Catholic Social Teaching say about Disability?

1. It is not so much the impairment but the ignorance, intolerance, injustice, and exclusion that
   
   undermines the dignity and humanity of disabled people.


2. People with a disability are not just the object of care but the agents of their own life. They
   
   need to be heard.


3. We must recognise the vast diversity of the disabled experience.


4. Inclusion requires that people with disability have an equal opportunity to be recognised,
   
   accepted and make their own contribution to the common good.

Suggestions to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD):

1. Undertake an activity in your diocese/parish to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities.


2. Invite people with disabilities to share their stories, suggestions, and experiences.


3. Enable people with disabilities to fully engage with the sacraments and Catholic celebrations.
   
   Reach out to carers and family members. Invite them to an afternoon tea and acknowledge
   
   their efforts.


4. Review accessibility options in your diocese/parish for people with disabilities (buildings,
   
   activities, transport, support groups, communications, and access to sacraments)


5. Promote your efforts by contacting Disability Projects Office (DPO), and register interest in
   
   joining the Catholic Accessibility Forum (CAF) email: disability@catholic.org.au

Source: ACBC Disability Projects Office

Prayer for Persons with Disabilities

God our Father,

who created all people in your image:

give persons with physical, cognitive, or emotional

disabilities opportunities to do all that they are able to,

and strengthen them to overcome challenges.

Jesus, who showed great compassion

for those who suffer: 

comfort all who feel like their gifts are not used

or that their value is not understood,

so that they might take courage in your affection.

Holy Spirit, who fills believers with all good gifts: 

help me to reach out to persons with disabilities

through friendship, care, and working

to be sure that our church includes them

in everything that we do and to

break down barriers to inclusion in society.

We ask this in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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