On December 3rd, we marked International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) with a special lunchtime webinar focused on the importance of allyship in supporting the disability community. This day, observed internationally by the United Nations, aims to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability—and our webinar provided a platform for meaningful conversation around this vital theme.
The power of allyship
During the session, we explored what being an ally truly means and why it’s essential for creating a culture of accessibility and belonging. Our panelists, all of whom have lived experience of disability, shared personal insights on the challenges faced by people with disability, the barriers that need dismantling, and how we can each play a part in driving change.
Key takeaways from our panelists
Our discussion was rich with practical advice and powerful stories of allyship in action. Here are some highlights:
What does being an ally to people with disability mean to you? (Alex)
“The most important thing is understanding and being willing to be curious and hear others out. It's about giving them a voice because having a voice is important to understand their story.”
Can you share a personal experience where allyship had a significant impact on someone with a disability? (Mel)
"I've been working with a participant who has anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and she would often not be able to come to appointments at all because she was just too overwhelmed.
Because of my lived experience with my own mental health, I was able to show her a genuine deep understanding and care for her situation, showing lots of patience and kindness when discussing her barriers.
She's now embracing all sorts of opportunities that are coming her way.”
What are some common misconceptions about people with disability that allies should work to dispel? (Zane)
“A common misconception is that we always need help. A lot of us have lived with our disabilities for a while and have learned to manage our lives with them.
Another misconception is that every disability is the same and affects people the same way. The same disability can affect two people very differently, posing different challenges in their lives.”
What are the most common barriers people with disability face, and how can allies help to overcome them? (Kate)
“People's perceptions of what we can or can’t do are one of the biggest barriers. We need people to see our worth of who we are without knowing our condition. Allies can help overcome these by taking the time to listen; allowing us to tell you what we can and can’t do instead of you telling us."
What are some suggestions for individuals to become effective allies in their personal and professional lives? (Mel)
“We can help people with disability to feel seen and known. This means asking questions, listening to the answers, making adjustments, giving them permission to voice their own opinions of things that might need to be changed, and remembering that our own lived experiences may be vastly different to another's.
So be curious, be open, be genuine and be kind.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as an ally? (Zane)
“We really need to ask questions. You need to know the person you’re trying to help. It’s also important to familiarise yourself with appropriate language and terminology to ensure that you communicate respectfully.”
The panel also discussed how allies can collaborate with people with disability to create lasting change and the importance of being informed and proactive in both personal and professional spaces.
Reflecting on IDPwD
IDPwD is a day dedicated to recognising the rights and achievements of people with disability, and our webinar was an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how much further we have to go. It’s a reminder that allyship is an ongoing commitment that requires effort and action every day, not just on one designated day of the year.
Join us on the journey
The webinar was a powerful reminder of the role we all play in creating inclusive, diverse and supportive environments. It’s not just about being an ally in name but in practice—by understanding, listening, and advocating for change, we can contribute to a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.
As we move forward, let’s continue to engage in these conversations and challenge ourselves to act in ways that create lasting, positive impact. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our incredible panelists for sharing their wisdom and experiences.
To learn more about IDPwD and how you can get involved, visit IDPwD Official Website.
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