International Day of People with Disability 2025

Pragmatic Universal Design: Start where you are. Learn as you go. Build belonging one step at a time. Click to watch the film. International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held every year on 3 December. The day raises awareness and promotes the equitable inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of life.

Last year we invited you to ‘Choose Inclusion’ with us and you answered with a resounding YES. You watched and shared our short film, downloaded resources and engaged with our content. This year, we’re building on that momentum to show you just how easy it is to remove barriers and build belonging one step at a time. You can start where you are, right now.

Introducing the concept of Pragmatic Universal Design. Identified through our Neuroinclusive Research, Pragmatic Universal Design is an actionable approach for Australian organisations to create more accessible and inclusive workplaces. While Universal Design remains our north star, Pragmatic Universal Design provides organisations with concrete starting points when the scale of change feels overwhelming.

Pragmatic Universal Design meets you where you are, focusing on progress over perfection. Building belonging one step at a time.

Join our campaign

To launch this campaign, we’re releasing a short animation introducing Pragmatic Universal Design – a lighthearted explainer that shows how you can take a pragmatic approach to inclusion.

Watch the video below

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When people with disability

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get the right opportunity and support,

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everyone wins.

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But let’s be honest,

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designing a workplace

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that’s truly inclusive

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can feel…overwhelming.

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So, what if it didn’t have to feel

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like such a heavy lift?

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What if you could just

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start where you are?

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After all, inclusive workplaces aren’t

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about being perfect.

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It’s about taking that

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first step forward, together.

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Welcome to Pragmatic Universal Design.

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Where inclusion is shaped

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by the people it serves

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and change grows from

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small, practical moves.

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It’s not about lowering standards.

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It’s not a once and done tickbox.

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It’s a process.

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Picture this:

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the rarely used meeting room,

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reimagined as a quiet retreat.

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No fuss. No big budget.

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Adding clear floor markers

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so everyone can find their way around.

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No renovation required.

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Or sharing interview questions

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ahead of time.

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Less stress.

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More confidence.

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Same opportunity.

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That’s being pragmatic.

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When inclusivity stops

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feeling overwhelming,

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it becomes, well…possible.

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Every small step builds momentum.

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Every brave question sparks connection.

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Every genuine effort brings us closer

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to a workplace

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that really works for everyone.

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Pragmatic Universal Design.

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Start where you are.

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Reach out to our team today

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to find out how you can build belonging

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one step at a time.

Watch the Pragmatic Universal Design animation with audio description

Play all

Over the next six weeks, we’ll build on the film’s messages, exploring critical areas of workplace inclusion and highlighting practical solutions you can implement in your workplace.

Just like last year, we’re releasing resources, sharing real-world initiatives and practical tips to help you start where you are.

We look forward to taking you on this journey with us – let’s build belonging one step at a time.

What’s coming up: Weekly Themes and Resources

As we countdown to IDPwD on December 3, join us in exploring critical areas of workplace inclusion each week. We will be sharing practical tips, success stories and resources to encourage you to choose inclusion and build belonging.

Content Access Note:

  • Australian Disability Network members: If not already logged in, please log in to the access exclusive content
  • Non-Members can access weekly theme resources as they are released. Check back for updates!

Week One: Build Belonging – Launch Week

Premiere of our short film ‘Pragmatic Universal Design’ and launch of our media pack and assets.

We’ve made it easy with ready-to-use posters, social tiles, and even hashtags:

Social media tiles

Posters

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Member Exclusive Content

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