At Empowering Experiences, we are proud to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) 2023. This day is not only a time to recognise the contributions of people with disability but also an opportunity to reflect on the strides we’ve made in promoting access and inclusion. While we champion disability rights every day, IDPWD provides a unique platform to amplify the voices of advocates and deepen our commitment to fostering a more inclusive world.
The 2023 Theme: United in Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The theme for International Day of People with Disability 2023 is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by persons with disabilities.” This call to action encourages collaboration to create a fairer and more accessible world for people with disability.
As stated on the IDPWD website, “The 2023 theme for IDPWD asks everyone to work together to make the world better and fairer for people with disability.” This resonates deeply with our mission at Empowering Experiences, where we continue to advocate for people with disability to have equal access to opportunities in the workforce, especially within the tourism and leisure industries.
A Diverse Workforce for a More Inclusive Future
At Empowering Experiences, we take pride in the fact that 70% of our team consists of people with disability. Our team’s collective lived experience, combined with deep industry knowledge, allows us to provide a unique, disability-led perspective to our consulting services. This diversity drives our passion for improving access and inclusion within the tourism sector, ensuring that travel and leisure opportunities are accessible not only for consumers but also for employees with disability.
The benefits of employing people with disability extend far beyond increasing diversity. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 60.5% of people with disability participate in the Australian workforce, highlighting the untapped potential within this demographic (Source: ABS 2019, 4430.0 – Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia 2018).
While improving living standards and income for people with disability is an essential outcome, there are numerous additional benefits to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. People with disability bring creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic that can enhance an organisation’s overall performance. Moreover, a diverse workforce offers a broader understanding of diverse customer needs, helping businesses access untapped markets.
Resources for Embracing Inclusive Employment
Interested in tapping into the skills and perspectives of people with disability? The following resources can help guide you toward building a more inclusive workplace:
- Austrade’s ‘People with disability a valuable addition to the tourism workforce’ article
- Australian Human Rights Commission: 6 Economic and Social Benefits of Employing People with Disability
- International Day of People with Disability Website
Additionally, you can check out local IDPWD events in your area through the IDPWD Community Event Calendar.
