By Nikoletta Erdelyi
SCIO Public Policy Specialist
Each year on December 3, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) gives people around the world the opportunity to recognize progress made toward disability inclusion — and to acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. More than 1 billion people globally live with a disability, a number that continues to grow. The message is clear: we must learn, reflect, and take meaningful action to build a society that is accessible and inclusive for everyone. At Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO), our community is united by shared experiences, strong voices, and a commitment to creating real, lasting change. IDPWD allows us to pause, reflect on our collective impact, and consider how we can continue shaping a more inclusive future for people with disabilities in Ontario and beyond.
To Promote Inclusion
IDPWD is a global reminder that accessibility and inclusion are human rights, not privileges. It encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to examine physical, digital, attitudinal, and systemic barriers — and take steps to remove them. For SCIO, it is an opportunity to spotlight the critical issues our community faces, including funding for catheters, greater choice in assistive devices, and increased availability of accessible housing.
To Recognize Achievements and Contributions
People with disabilities are innovators, creators, leaders, and changemakers in every field. Recognizing their contributions helps shift public perception, dismantle stigma, and highlight the depth of human potential. Within the SCIO community alone, entrepreneurs, technologists, content creators, and advocates are redefining what it means to live a full and dynamic life with a disability.
To Advocate for Policy Change
Each year, organizations across Canada use IDPWD to amplify the issues preventing full participation in society. These campaigns educate the public, influence decision-makers, and mobilize collective action. In 2025, SCIO and many partners are advocating for improvements to accessible air travel — an urgent priority for many wheelchair users. IDPWD provides a platform to elevate these conversations and push toward meaningful policy change.
To Inspire Future Generations
By highlighting both the progress made and the change still needed, IDPWD sparks curiosity, innovation, and empathy among future leaders and creators. A young technologist might be inspired to develop new mobility devices; a filmmaker might choose to tell authentic stories featuring disabled protagonists. Awareness fuels creativity — and change.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is more than a date on the calendar. It represents a vision of a world where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice.
