International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Learn how employers can use International Day of Persons with Disabilities to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The value of supporting International Day of Persons with Disabilities at work

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day dedicated to promoting the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including the workplace.

Employees with specific health conditions or impairments are protected by the Disability Act 2010. You can find out more on the ACAS website.

Tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion can improve workplace culture and help businesses attract and retain a strong workforce.

Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities at work

Disability awareness days can be useful for your organisation as part of a wider inclusion strategy.

Here are a few actions that you could take to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities at work:

Learn and raise awareness

Learn about the history of activism for accessibility and equity and raise awareness in your workplace.

Offer equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) the Social Model of Disability.

Organise a talk

Invite guest speakers to talk at your workplace and encourage employees to attend and ask questions.

You could partner with an organisation or third sector group that work with people with disabilities.

Support employee networks

Start an employee network group for employees with disabilities.

Supporting employees with disabilities

As an employer, you can support employees with health conditions, impairments and disabilities.

Here are some things you can do in your workplace:

Encourage open communication

Make your workplace a place where employees feel safe talking about their health without fear of discrimination.

Set up confidential ways for employees to share their needs or concerns.

Train staff to provide support

Make sure employees, especially managers, know how to support colleagues with health conditions.

If you are a small business, you can use the Support with Employee Health and Disability service.

The Business Disability Forum also offers training and resources.

Share resources

Inform employees who need support for a mental health or musculoskeletal problem about the In-Work Support Service.

The Health Adjustment Passport can help employees find out what support is available to help them stay in work.

Find out more

To find out how your workplace can get involved in International Day of Persons with Disabilities, visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) website.

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