2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: What to Know & How to Celebrate
Every year, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. But do you know its origin and the 2025 theme? Knowing the exact day for the celebrations, theme, and the events organized near you will enable you to celebrate to the best of your ability.
In fact, in less than two days—on December 3rd—it will be the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is why we decided to write this article, hoping to draw more attention to the rights of persons with disabilities.
Sometimes the disabled are neglected knowingly and unknowingly. This year, join the many individuals with disabilities advancing the day’s theme to promote societal and social inclusivity.
In this article, you’ll find the answers to all the questions relating to the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Keep reading.
Origin of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In the 1992 United Nations 47/3 Resolution urged all its member States to intensify their effort towards improving the situation of persons with disability. The convention further aimed to continue awareness-raising and fostering action-oriented measures focusing on improving the situation for persons with disability.
To continue promoting the rights and actions that promote the well-being of persons with disabilities, the United Nations in 1992 established the annual day for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, following the passing of the 47/3 UN Resolution. This Resolution requested its member states to proclaim 3 December as the day for commemorating the event.
2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Theme
At workplaces, in our households, and in social-cultural interactions, persons with disabilities endure a multitude of challenges. This year's theme aims to alleviate challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Building a just, inclusive, and equitable world forms the basis for the 2025 disability International Day theme.
The 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme is “ Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” In a bid to realize this theme, world leaders gathered at the Second World Summit for Social Development reaffirmed their commitment to “turn social pledges into actions.” There’s a sustained push for social inclusivity in all segments of our society.
To help bridge the deepening inequality gap as you celebrate World disability Day, engage in activities and events that promote social development, social integration, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Organized Events to Participate in 2025
December 3rd is a special day for persons with disabilities. As many individuals plan to participate in different celebration activities, government institutions and private organizations have organized events to celebrate the International Day of disabilities.
You can either choose to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2025 virtually or in person. Here is a list of IDPD events organized to take place on 3 December 2025.
Virtual Event at The UN Headquarters, New York
The United Nations will host the main event for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at its Headquarters in New York. The event will be aired virtually from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (EST). During the event, there will be a panel for discussions and cultural dances to celebrate the International Day.
Expected to attend the event at the headquarters include the UN Member States, UN leaders, persons with disability advocates, and youth.
To join the celebrations via Zoom Room.
Online Event by Disability: IN, Minnesota
Disability:IN will be hosting disability advocates Eva Erickson and Mitch Guerra on the TV show Survivor. The show's title will be “From Island to Impact: Survivors' Perspectives on Disability Inclusion.” They’ll share their personal experiences on how they overcome challenges and break barriers in pursuit of better lives.
Persons allowed to attend include diversity and Inclusion officers, business leaders, people with disabilities, HR Professionals, and people supporting disability inclusion.
This event will be held online on December 3 from 9 pm to 10:30 pm GMT+3.
California Connect
California Connect is also referred to as the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP). The organization’s mission is to bridge communication access to Californians with hearing, cognitive, speech, vision, and mobility-related disabilities.
The event will be held at 1550 Airport Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 954 on December 3, 2025, starting at 01:30 pm.
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and Community Partners
In Toronto, at the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and Community Partners, a virtual event will be held to celebrate the Dec 3, 2025, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event will start at 1:00 and end at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (Canada).
There’ll be a panel of community speakers to discuss the well-being and rights of persons with disabilities.
WHO, Headquarters Geneva
Every year, the WHO organizes an IDPD event to celebrate the WHO's achievements and educate the public on the importance of enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities. They also aim to foster inclusivity in society and the elimination of all barriers that persons with disability face.
On 3rd December 2025, you can join other individuals with disabilities at the WHO headquarters, Geneva, to celebrate with persons with disabilities, advocates, and leaders.
Boston Center for Independent Living
To promote independent living, Boston Centre will be hosting a housing workshop to teach persons with disabilities how to request a reasonable accommodation, navigate subsidized housing, and conduct a housing search within the Boston area.
You can join the event in person or via Zoom starting at 10.00 am.
Ease Your Way to Anywhere – Our Mission to the Disabled
According to the Bureau of Transport Statistics, 18.6 million Americans aged 5 and above acknowledged having travel-limiting disabilities. 1 in 4 adults in America has some form of disability. 12.2% are faced with mobility disability.
It’s these kinds of shocking statistics that necessitated XSTO Mobility to anchor the company on a mission, “Ease Your Way to Everywhere.” To enable people with disabilities to access anywhere and live a dignified life.
To enhance accessibility for persons with disability and the elderly, XSTO Mobility has high-quality wheelchairs and equipment designed to ease your way to anywhere - indoors and outdoors.
They include:
i) XSTO M4 Self-Balancing Power Wheelchair
ii) XSTO X12 All Terrain Mobility Robot
iii) TR250T Portable Stairlift for Wheelchair
FAQ
i) Why is it important to celebrate Disability Day?
It’s important to celebrate Disability Day as it’s the day we collectively promote rights, mobilize support, create awareness, enhance accessibility, and analyze progress within the persons with disabilities.
ii) What's the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 theme?
The 2025 Disabilities Day theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
iii) What is the international symbol for people with disabilities?
The international standard symbol for persons with disabilities is a blue square overlaid in a white image of a person in a wheelchair.
iv) When is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities held?
Institutions, individuals, government bodies, and charity organizations hold the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd every year in accordance with the 47/3 United Nations Resolution.
v)Why should we support people with disabilities?
By supporting persons with disabilities, we help them grow self-confidence, empower them to grow skills, promote accessibility, and live a life full of respect, self-love, and dignity.
Conclusion
The 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration is an important day for everyone living with any type of disability, caregivers, parents, and anyone concerned with the issue, disability. On the 3rd December, you can virtually or in-person attend any organized event near you. Alternatively, you can organize an activity that will coincide with this year's IDPD theme.