To celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities we have been exploring the role accessibility plays for people with disabilities; it’s about possibility.
For Ben, access means he can teach and leave a legacy for his students; for Erik, access means he can work and build a house for his family; for Terezhina, access means she can run her own business; for Vicky, access means she has a wheelchair that fits her body and needs; for Yani, access means she can use public transport independently; and for Rafael, access means he can become a pilot one day.
But access is only possible when all the necessary structural, systemic and social frameworks are in place to support it. At the one-year mark since the Australian Government released the International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS), we pause to acknowledge the work that’s been done to advance disability equity, inclusion and rights, and continued commitments made to disability equity within the Australian Aid program.
Australian Aid plays a vital role in ensuring people with disabilities have the opportunity to access the places, spaces and opportunities to thrive; but only when disability equity is prioritised.
As we enter the second year of IDEARS, we remain committed to advancing disability equity, inclusion and rights. Join us in sending the Australian Minister of International Development, Dr Anne Aly a message of thanks, and a renewed call to keep disability equity in focus in Australian aid in 2026.
Add your name, alongside our CEO Jane’s, to our message to the Minister.
Join us in calling for Minister Aly to advance disability equity in Australian aid
As we reflect on the first year of the International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS), we acknowledge the steps taken toward inclusion and rights for people with disabilities.
Alongside our supporters, we welcome the Australian Government’s $50 million investment through the flagship initiative, Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures.
Thank you for furthering the commitments in IDEARS.
We also acknowledge the long-term joint advocacy of key organisations within the Disability Movement, and we look forward to continued collaboration with government and our partners to ensure sustained, meaningful change for people with disabilities in our region.
We thank you for the work undertaken in 2025 and ask you to keep disability equity in focus as we enter a new year. Together, we can make equity and rights a reality.
With peace and thanks,
Jane Edge
CEO CBM Australia and CBM Australia supporters