By Elga Rodriguez
Physical Disability Awareness Day is celebrated on Sunday, February 1.
Created by Physical Disability Australia (PDA) in 2023, this day fills an important gap in our national awareness calendar.
It highlights the experiences of people living with physical disability, the wide range of conditions included under this term and the many contributions people make across our communities.
It’s also a moment for all of us to come together, learn, reflect and show our support for Australia’s physical disability community.
Why disability awareness matters
People with physical disabilities often face barriers in everyday life, getting into buildings, finding work, accessing transport, receiving the support and healthcare they need or participating in community life.
Raising awareness helps challenge assumptions, reduce stigma and encourage changes that support independence, dignity and full participation.
Ways your community can get involved
- Invite a community member with lived experience to share their story. This helps us understand common challenges and discover new ways to improve participation.
- Review your current and upcoming activities to make sure they are physically accessible.
- Organise a DisabiliTEA. You can hold it after Sunday worship or as part of any regular community gathering.
- Use the Synod Disability Action Plan to review your buildings and spaces to make sure they are accessible for people with physical disability.
- Look at the Synod Disability Access Fund Grant information to see how they might support improvements in your setting.
Our commitment as faith communities
 We remain committed to creating welcoming, accessible and inclusive communities where people with physical disability are valued and supported.
This Physical Disability Awareness Day, we invite everyone to think about how they can help build a more inclusive society. Small actions can make a big difference and help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to belong.
The Physical Disability Awareness Day logo is made up of many diamond/square-shaped leaves of the colours of the rainbow. Over the top of this sits the words ‘Physical Disability Awareness Day’ in white text. The inclusion of many colours within the logo represent the many different physical disabilities, encapsulated in the purple associated with disability representation. The leaves (squares) pointing inwards within the overall image signify the unity and support within the physical disability community and wider public, and the pointing out of leaves symbolise the need to raise awareness and to increase support, inclusion and acceptance moving forward.