December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a global occasion dedicated to advocating for the rights, inclusion, and contributions of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, serves as a powerful reminder of the role disability inclusion plays in building a better world for everyone.
The date also coincides with UK Disability History Month, which runs from November 14th to December 20th. Together, these observances call for reflection and action, urging us to move beyond token acknowledgements. Disability inclusion should no longer be an afterthought in organisational cultures and business agendas—it must be integral to the way we work, create, and innovate.
Why It Matters
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to:
- Educate the public about issues faced by persons with disabilities.
- Mobilise political will and resources to address barriers to inclusion.
- Celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
This is not just a day to recognise challenges but also a moment to highlight solutions and reinforce a global commitment to equity and accessibility.
How Accessibility Shapes Our Work
At Scrumconnect Consulting, we align our accessibility initiatives with the spirit of the Paralympics: pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and striving for excellence. Just as the Paralympics showcase the heights of athletic achievement, we aim to pioneer new standards in inclusive technology.
- Designing for Usability: We adhere to rigorous accessibility standards to ensure our services meet the needs of all users, including those with visual, cognitive, or learning disabilities.
- Engaging Diverse Voices: We actively seek feedback from a wide range of individuals to refine and improve our solutions.
- Building Inclusivity by Design: From conception to delivery, we embed accessibility into every stage of our process, making inclusivity a cornerstone of innovation.
As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s challenge ourselves and our organisations to do more. Let’s build workplaces, technologies, and communities that genuinely include everyone.
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about recognising the value of diverse leadership and creating a sustainable, inclusive future where everyone can thrive.
READ MORE: Our Chief Design Officer, Gavin Elliott, shared a deeply personal story in his blog about embracing his autism diagnosis. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Gavin reflected on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance, offering insights into how his diagnosis has positively influenced his personal and professional life. His candid reflections provide an inspiring message about the importance of understanding and supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. You can read the full blog here: Embracing Autism: A Mental Health Awareness Week Story.
Another read: our article from September 2024 about the history and significance of the Paralympics, alongside the importance of not tokenising accessibility initiatives: ‘celebrating the spirit of the Paralympics’