Since 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been celebrated annually on Dec. 3. It gives organizations worldwide an opportunity to reflect on their commitment to disability inclusion and take concrete action toward more accessible workplaces.
The observance of IDPD was proclaimed by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1992. During its 22-year history, IDPD helped promote understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It serves multiple important purposes:
Each year, the UN announces a specific theme for IDPD to focus global attention on particular aspects of disability rights and inclusion. This helps guide discussions and actions throughout the year. The 2024 IDPD theme is “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
“This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that we need the leadership of persons with disabilities more than ever,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement marking the occasion.
“Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world—from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities—because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services.”
So, what can your organization do to commemorate it?
You’re encouraged to organize events and activities that:
The annual commemoration reminds us that disability rights are human rights, and that creating an accessible and inclusive world benefits everyone (not just those with disabilities). It also serves as a platform for persons with disabilities to share their experiences, challenges, and successes while advocating for positive change in society.
With the world increasingly online, the intersection of accessibility and professional opportunity has never been more critical. More than 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, representing a vast pool of talent and perspectives that businesses cannot afford to marginalize.
That amounts to one in four people across the United States living with a disability, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sadly, employment rates for persons with disabilities remain significantly lower than those without disabilities, with research showing that qualified candidates often face unnecessary barriers in recruitment, workplace accommodation, and career advancement. The unemployment rate for people with a disability was 7.2 in 2023, while the rate for those without a disability remained unchanged throughout the year, at 3.5 percent, according to a 2024 press release from the U.S. Department of Labor.
This “disability employment gap,” as it has become known, is a barometer for accessibility and inclusion in the workplace—meaning we have a long way to go in creating more economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
The business case for disability inclusion is compelling, as well: Companies that prioritize accessibility and inclusion consistently report higher innovation rates, better employee retention, and stronger customer loyalty. However, the imperative extends beyond business metrics—it's about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
Your organization can do several practical things to become more inclusive and accessible to professionals with disabilities. Here are just a few to consider on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
Start with your digital presence. Ensure your website, internal tools, and digital communications follow web content accessibility (WCAG) guidelines. This includes implementing proper heading structures and alt text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation functionality is fully accessible, providing captions for your video content, and testing the digital experience with various assistive technologies.
Post job openings on websites that target professionals with disabilities, such as Inclusively. Offer multiple formats for application materials. Be sure to ask job candidates for any accommodations they might need during the hiring process or as an employee; this is also a clear way to communicate your commitment to accessibility and inclusion to job seekers.
First and foremost, your organization should create a robust accommodation process that establishes clear procedures for requesting accommodations. Maintain open communication channels with team members, provide necessary tools and support, and review and update accommodations regularly.
Culture is the lifeblood that invigorates your policies. Without leaders championing accessibility and inclusion, your policies will ring hollow and fail to generate momentum. Consider providing disability awareness training for all employees. Create employee resource groups to foster an environment of belonging across your organization. For inspiration, check out what the cloud-based software company Salesforce has done with AbilityForce.
Be sure to include professionals with disabilities in decision-maker roles and positions of leadership, as well. The impact of disability representation in the C-suite can’t be overstated.
The path to full inclusion is ongoing, and every effort forwards matters. Individually and collectively. For this IDPD, your organization has an opportunity to move beyond awareness to action, creating workplaces where professionals with disabilities can achieve their full potential.
As Jameelah Nasheed, a content and communications manager at Salesforce, writes, “Accessibility is not just a value we champion; it’s a catalyst for innovation, equity, and sustainable progress. It means creating spaces where everyone can thrive, contribute their unique talents, and shape solutions that drive meaningful change.”
Remember: Accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about creating environments where everyone can participate fully and meaningfully. As we observe this important day, let's commit to making disability inclusion a fundamental part of how we do business, not just tomorrow, but every day.
Salesforce is a founding partner of InclusionHub, a resource for digital accessibility, committed to helping businesses prioritize digital inclusion. Visit its a11y website to learn more.