AccessibAll celebrates International Day of Disabled People 2025

International Day of Disabled People is celebrated annually on 3 December, marking a worldwide celebration of the disabled community and an opportunity to raise awareness on all areas of accessibility and inequality.

This year’s theme is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This means highlighting opportunities for making changes that move towards inclusion, that are not only the right thing to do but can have great benefits and outcomes. 

While AccessibAll is focused on the sports industry and making the matchday experience as inclusive and accessible as possible, this can feed into all areas of everyday life, from transport to education to social life. This is especially relevant as we move further towards our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), several of which directly correlate to disability. 

Why is this important? 

It goes without saying that being accessible and inclusive is a value we should all hold dear. However, there are statistics and research that further reinforce this, more than simply being the right thing to do.  

Inclusion Europe have introduced the European Pillar of Social Rights, twenty principles that can be adopted to become a more inclusive society. These principles have significant benefits for all disabled people and their families, such as being given the opportunity to pursue employment in an equal job market, with fair and equal working conditions that can support them in long-term employment and career progression. Another is housing, which is crucial for disabled people who may wish to transition to independent living, or with assisted support. These principles are supported by long-term research by Inclusion Europe, to understand the main ways we can create opportunities for disabled people to live as autonomously as they can or wish to. 

Identifying areas to improve accessibility can also be beneficial for organisations and businesses. Purple Pound, a UK-based charity, found that 70% of users left a website if it was not accessible. This makes perfect sense when disabled customers or visitors – and their friends and family – should not have to spend time on websites or businesses that do not accommodate them. With the European Accessibility Act being implemented earlier this year, there should be a move towards consistent standards for both online and in-person services. 

In a sports context 

Much has progressed in the world of sport in becoming more and more accessible. While we still have much more work to do, the impact of actions taken can be felt across many fans around the world.

We spoke to one fan, Jonathan Attenborough, who mentioned that he “love[d] knowing that, if ever [he had] an accessibility issue, there is a point of contact in the club’s Disability Access Officer,” highlighting one of the major roles that clubs can play in facilitating a relationship with their disabled fans. Disability Access Officers can be a wonderful representative of the club’s values and be a source of information and comfort for fans.  

Jonathan also mentioned the importance of ensuring disabled fans are included in all stages of the decision-making progress, particularly in the design of accessible policies or adjustments. Rather than deciding without consultation, which can not only be inappropriate but can be costly to adjust or reverse, taking the time to work with disabled people not only within your organisation or group, but outside can be beneficial. Studies have found that disabled people – particularly neurodivergent people – have incredibly unique viewpoints and abilities to spot patterns or identify problem solving. 

Calling back to the benefits of inclusivity, Jonathan mentioned the social aspect of sports, especially football. Being able to come together in person with not only other disabled fans in an accessible environment, but with non-disabled fans and bond over their love for their team has been found to have incredible positive impact on mental health, independence, social inclusion and even physical health. Jon noted in-person matchdays as something to look forward, the idea of travelling and meeting up with friends.  

Other examples 

Outside of the matchday experience, inclusion can be a force for social progress across many areas of people’s lives. Some examples that will be highlighted at the United Nations Department of Economic Social Affairs includes: 

• Expanding access to inclusive education and employment 

• Strengthening social protection systems 

• Improving accessibility across physical, digital, and social environments 

• Ensuring equal opportunities for participation and leadership 

• Advancing awareness-raising efforts to combat stigma and discrimination 

• Promoting accessible and affordable assistive technology 

The thread connecting each of these examples listed are that we are focusing on opening doors and opportunities and creating more space for disabled people not just in participation on the ground, but in the decision-making process.  

How can we foster an inclusive society? 

Many people – individuals, groups and organisations – may ask themselves this question, and wonder what the first step can be. AccessibAll has discussed many best practice recommendations for becoming more accessible and inclusive.