SENATOR THE HON MITCH FIFIELD

Assistant Minister for Social Services Manager of Government Business in the Senate Senator for Victoria

MEDIA RELEASE
3 December 2013 International Day of People with Disability turns 21 Thousands of Australians will today come together to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the International Day of People with Disability. This year is a significant milestone for International Day of People with Disability marking 21 years of promoting an understanding of people with disability. International Day of People with Disability is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by Australians with disability. Its also a good time to reflect on the important achievements that have been made to improve economic and social participation for people with disability in Australia. Today serves as a reminder of what still needs to be done to ensure Australians with disability have access to opportunities to fully participate in social and economic life. Improving participation for people with disability is a key focus of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which is why the Government is fully committed to the implementation of this important reform. Today we celebrate our achievements over the last two decades, as well as looking at what we can do to provide more opportunity, choice and independence for Australians with disability. The National Disability Insurance Scheme will play a big role in making this a reality for thousands of Australians with disability. I encourage Australians to celebrate International Day by getting involved in one of more than 750 local events being held across the country. Communities around Australia are hosting a range of fantastic events to help celebrate 21 years of breaking down barriers for people with disability, including sporting events, art exhibitions and festivals. More information on International Day, including a full list of events, is available at: http://www.idpwd.com.au
Media Contact: Lydia Bevege | Lydia.bevege@dss.gov.au | 0409 792 081
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: 02 6277 7280 Fax: 02 6273 4138 42 Florence Street Mentone VIC 3194 Tel: 03 9584 2455 Fax: 03 9584 8347 www.mitchfifield.com