International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the rights, strengths and contributions of people with disability and the importance of accessible and safe social services.

It's also a reminder that inclusion goes beyond participation – it requires accountability, respect, and systems that uphold every person’s dignity.

In Victoria, 18.4% of the population has a disability – which may include having a physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive or psychosocial impairment.

A disability may be visible or hidden, permanent or temporary, and people’s support needs can also change. Some people may mask a disability to avoid stigma or discrimination. Intersectional experiences of disability also lead to many layers of discrimination and disadvantage.

Under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021, social service providers in Victoria must meet the Social Services Standards, which require being responsive to the unique needs, goals and rights of people with disability.

Under the Child Safe Standards, relevant service providers must also pay attention to the needs of children and young people with disability, ensure they are informed about their rights, including to safety, information and participation, and enable them to provide feedback. The wide range of services that Victorian children and young people with a disability access should be safe, and also tailored, inclusive, accessible and welcoming environments that encourage their engagement and insights.

“Social services have a crucial role to play in supporting people with disability by upholding their agency, dignity and rights.” said the Social Services Regulator, Jonathan Kaplan.

“While celebrating people with disability of all ages today, service providers must also consider how their services are safe and responsive to the unique and diverse needs of people with disability.

“When there’s a risk of serious harm, we will not hesitate to take action – including enforcement action – against providers that seriously or repeatedly fail to meet their obligations.”

The SSR remains committed to making sure Victoria’s social services ensure inclusion, safety and a voice for people with disability by meeting their obligations under the Social Services Standards and, where relevant, the Child Safe Standards. By collaborating with the Victorian Disability Worker Commission and the Disability Services Commission, the SSR fulfils a ‘no wrong door’ policy for people who access disability services, ensuring their feedback is shared with the right organisation, and regulating disability services effectively through information and intelligence sharing.

The SSR’s Reference Groups, including its Lived Experience Reference Group co-chaired by Tricia Malowney OAM CF, ground the SSR’s work in the unique and diverse perspectives of people who rely on Victoria’s social service system.

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, there are more actions social service providers can take:

• Access our guidance materials on meeting the Social Services Standards including our self-assessment tool.
• Access our guidance materials on meeting the Child Safe Standards including our self-assessment tool.
• Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates about further resources, guidance or events.