International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, ARC NI stands with individuals, families, and organisations across Northern Ireland to champion the rights, voices, and inclusion of people with a learning disability.

This year’s global theme — “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities facing our community here at home.

While much progress has been made in Northern Ireland, the lived experiences of people with a learning disability show that inclusion is still far from guaranteed. Too many still encounter barriers to accessing opportunities, influencing decision-making, and living the life they choose.

The Northern Ireland Reality: Systemic Barriers Persist

Across the region, people with a learning disability and their families continue to face unique challenges that limit their participation in society. These mirror global patterns but are deeply shaped by our local context:

Higher Rates of Poverty and Financial Hardship 

In Northern Ireland, households that include someone with a learning disability often face additional economic pressures — from the rising cost of living to transport challenges, to the significant extra expenses of accessing appropriate support. Many families report that current benefits and entitlements do not adequately reflect these realities.

Limited Employment Opportunities

Employment inequalities remain particularly stark for people with a learning disability. Despite strong willingness and ability to work, many are excluded by:

• A lack of supported employment programmes
• Insufficient inclusive recruitment practices
• Workplaces not equipped to offer reasonable adjustments
• Ongoing stigma about capability

People with a learning disability want to contribute, build careers, and earn fairly — yet they remain one of the most under-employed groups in Northern Ireland.

Gaps in Social Protection and Support

Social protection systems across Northern Ireland continue to vary in accessibility and consistency. Individuals who rely on informal employment or limited hours often face gaps in entitlements. Families report challenges navigating complex systems, delays in assessments, and support packages that do not meet actual need.

This unpredictability places strain on individuals, families, and the provider organisations working tirelessly to deliver high-quality care.

Support Systems Still Fall Short on Dignity and Autonomy

While many services across NI are committed and compassionate, people with a learning disability still experience:

• Limited choice and control over their support
• Inconsistent person-centred planning
• A system that is often stretched, crisis-driven, and understaffed
• Barriers to fully participating in their own life decisions

True inclusion means people having control, independence, and a voice — not simply receiving care.

A Holistic Approach to Social Progress

The United Nations reminds us that poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social integration are interconnected goals. None can be achieved in isolation — and none can be achieved without the full inclusion of people with disabilities as both agents and beneficiaries of social development.

At ARC NI, we see every day how inclusion transforms lives, strengthens communities, and drives progress. When people with disabilities are fully included in education, employment, community life, and decision-making, society as a whole benefits.

Our Commitment: Building a More Inclusive Northern Ireland

In alignment with the 2025 theme, ARC NI continues to champion:

1. Human rights-based support systems – Advocating for care and support that uphold dignity, autonomy, and person-centred practice.
2. Inclusive employment pathways – Supporting organisations to become disability-confident employers and creating opportunities for meaningful, sustainable work.
3. Stronger social protection systems – Promoting policies that recognise real lived costs and ensure that no one is left behind.
4. True social integration – Building communities where people with a learning disability are valued participants, contributors, and leaders.
5. Collaboration across sectors – Working with government, providers, families, and individuals to ensure lived experience shapes every stage of policy and practice.

Looking Forward: Progress Through Partnership

The reaffirmed commitments made by world leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development highlight a truth ARC NI has championed for over two decades: progress depends on inclusion. A just, equitable, and sustainable world cannot be built without the active participation of all people — including people with a learning disability.

As we mark IDPWD 2025, ARC NI calls on policymakers, service providers, employers, local communities, and the public to continue the work of transforming systems, attitudes, and opportunities. Each of us has a role in shaping a Northern Ireland where every person can participate fully and thrive.

Together, We Can Foster a Truly Inclusive Society

Today is not only a day of awareness — it is a call to action.
People with a learning disability deserve to live in a society where:

• Their rights are upheld
• Their voices are valued
• Their contributions are recognised
• Their aspirations are supported

ARC NI stands ready to work alongside all partners to foster the inclusive, rights-focused, and socially progressive society envisioned in this year’s theme.

A Message From All of Us in TILII

Today, 3rd December, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is not just a date on the calendar for us. This is our day as a group to speak out together and remind people why equality matters.

Every week, TILII members across Northern Ireland stand up for people with a learning disability. We speak out in meetings, make easy reads, run training, make information films, and share our lived experience so services understand what real inclusion looks like. But we also know there is still a long way to go. Too many people with a disability still aren’t listened to. Too many places still aren’t accessible. Too many decisions still happen without us in the room.

That’s why days like this are important. It gives us a chance to say loudly and clearly: People with disabilities deserve respect, fairness, and equal chances in life.

What Equality Means to Us

Equality isn’t a big complicated idea. It’s simple:

• Treat us with respect
• Include us in decisions
• Give us information we can understand
• Don’t judge us
• Believe in our abilities
• Give us opportunities to shine

When these things happen, we can live our lives fully, just like anyone else.

Voices From TILII Members

We want to share some words from our members, because the best way to understand equality is to hear directly from people with lived experience.

Hilary said: “I want people to see what I can do, not what they think I can’t do.”

Joe  said: “Everyone deserves a fair chance. We’re all human.”

David said: “Listen to us. We know our own lives better than anyone else.”

These are simple messages, but they are powerful. And they are true.

What TILII Will Keep Doing

1. We will keep speaking up.
2. We will keep challenging services to do better.
3. We will keep making accessible information.
4. We  will keep sharing our stories so people understand what inclusion really means.

We are proud of our members, proud of our work, and proud of the difference we make.

A Final Message From All of Us

Today is about recognising the value of every person with a disability. It is about celebrating strengths, talents, and voices. It is about standing together and saying:

We matter. Our voices matter. And equality is not something we ask for, it is something we deserve.

From all of us in TILII – Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Let’s keep making change happen  together.

Check out TILII TV as we spotlight the faces of Team TILII in a video for International Day of Persons with Disabilities – today is about you!