Fostering Inclusion For Real Progress

November 28, 2025

Each year on 3 December, the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDwPD) — a global observance proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote understanding, inclusion, and respect for people with disability.


The theme for 2025, Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, calls on all of us, governments, organisations, and communities, to do more than talk about inclusion. It asks us to live it.


What this day means


IDwPD is a reminder that progress doesn’t just happen through innovation or policy. True progress happens when people are valued for who they are, when their voices are heard, and when their rights are upheld. The day highlights the need for societies that are inclusive not only in design, but also in attitude — where accessibility, understanding, and participation are embedded in everyday life.


Why it matters to helpz


At helpz, we work every day alongside people with disability to make inclusion a reality. Whether through positive behaviour support, therapy, or employment pathways, our focus is always on seeing the whole person — their goals, their potential, and their right to be part of their community.


We believe inclusion is more than a policy; it’s a practice. It means:

  • Recognising that everyone’s needs and experiences are different.
  • Supporting people to make choices and have control over their lives.
  • Building systems that enable participation, not dependence.
  • Creating environments that celebrate diversity and belonging.


For us, inclusion is also about connection. It’s about people feeling they are seen, heard, and valued — not as participants in a system, but as equal members of society.


Building disability-inclusive societies


A disability-inclusive society is one where barriers, physical, social, and attitudinal, are removed. It’s one where access and opportunity are not afterthoughts but expectations. From workplaces and education to healthcare and community programs, inclusion benefits everyone by fostering empathy, creativity, and stronger communities.


Every person has something to contribute. When we build environments that make that contribution possible, we advance not just individual wellbeing, but social progress as a whole.


Looking ahead


As the global conversation around disability inclusion continues, IDwPD gives us all an opportunity to pause and reflect — not only on how far we’ve come, but on how far we still have to go.


At helpz, we remain committed to supporting people with disability to live life their way — with choice, connection, and confidence. Because when we foster inclusion, we don’t just improve lives; we create stronger, kinder, more resilient communities.


Inclusion is progress. And progress is something we can all be part of.


Find out more about IDPwD day here.


News & Insights

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Kia’s Big Leap: From Challenges to Triumph at McDonald’s

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At helpz, we love celebrating milestones that highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. Today, we shine a spotlight on Kia, a young woman whose journey reminds us that with compassion and belief, incredible things are possible. Kia has faced more challenges than most her age. Growing up in foster care and overcoming significant hurdles in her early years has not stopped her. Kia has not let her life story define her spirit. Recently, she achieved a life-changing milestone: she proudly started her first job at McDonald’s . This isn’t just employment; it’s a symbol of her growing confidence, independence, and belief in herself. Working at McDonald’s is more than flipping burgers and serving fries. For Kia, it’s an opportunity to develop essential life and work skills; communication, teamwork, following routines, and managing new responsibilities. Each shift strengthens her sense of purpose and pride, proving that she’s capable of thriving in a structured, supportive environment. The McDonald’s team has played a vital role in Kia’s success. Their welcoming and inclusive approach ensures she feels supported as she learns at her own pace. Patient guidance from colleagues, combined with ongoing encouragement from her behaviour support practitioner, Marika Williams, has created a foundation where Kia can flourish. Equally deserving of recognition is Renee, Kia’s Living Skills Keyworker from Catholic Care . Renee has worked tirelessly alongside Kia, providing consistent, grounded support that has been instrumental in helping her reach this milestone. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in Kia have made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate the role she’s played in Kia’s journey. Starting a customer-facing role is no small feat for someone who has experienced social anxiety and depression. Every interaction, every smile exchanged, is a step toward conquering fears that once felt overwhelming. Kia is not just earning a pay cheque, she’s building confidence, practising social skills, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Kia’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right supports, compassion, and belief, people can achieve incredible things. She is discovering her strengths, embracing new challenges, and proving to herself, and to all of us, that she is capable of greatness. Congratulations, Kia! Your courage and determination inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones and a future filled with possibilities.

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Are you ready for a fairer, simpler NDIS? What the new support needs assessments mean for you and your clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving, and one of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of support needs assessments, set to roll out from mid-2026. These assessments promise to make planning fairer, more consistent, and less stressful for participants, families, and providers alike. So, what’s changing and why does it matter? What are support needs assessments? Support needs assessments are a new way for the NDIS to understand what supports a person with disability truly needs. Instead of relying on participants to gather their own reports and evidence, the NDIS will use a validated, strengths-based tool called the I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) — developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years. This tool focuses on a person’s support needs, not just their impairments, and is built on the globally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Why this is a game-changer For too long, participants have faced the burden of sourcing costly reports, navigating complex systems, and advocating for their needs in planning meetings. The new assessments will: remove the need for participants to provide their own evidence create fairer and more equitable budgets offer more flexibility and choice in support arrangements ensure consistency across the NDIS planning process And importantly, the government will fund these assessments, not participants. How will it work? Trained, accredited assessors will meet with participants aged 16 and over to complete the assessment. The process will include: a personalised interview using the I-CAN tool consideration of environmental and personal circumstances additional assessments for complex support needs The NDIA is working closely with the disability community to co-design this process, ensuring it reflects lived experience and is accessible to all. What’s next? The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over five years. This phased approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement. Most participants will continue using the current planning process for now, but the NDIA will notify individuals when it’s time for their assessment. Final thought: planning with purpose This isn’t just a new tool — it’s a new mindset. By focusing on what people need to live well, rather than what they can’t do, the NDIS is taking a major step toward a more inclusive, empowering future. Are you ready to support your clients through this change? Now’s the time to learn, prepare, and embrace a more proactive approach to planning.