Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Building a More Inclusive Community This Holiday Season
Each year on December 3rd, the world comes together to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a global observance established by the United Nations to promote understanding, inclusion, and equal rights for individuals of all abilities. At our practice, we are proud to support both children and adults with communication, cognitive, and swallowing needs every day. This dedicated day of awareness gives us a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible strengths and diverse abilities of the clients we serve.
But IDPD is also a call to action—an invitation for communities, families, and professionals to work together to create environments where every person can communicate, participate, and thrive. What a better time than the holiday season, when so many of us gather in community, with gratitude and connection at the center?
Why IDPD Matters…
Disabilities can be visible or invisible, developmental or acquired, physical or neurological. However, the one thing they all have in common is this: individuals with disabilities deserve access, respect, and opportunities to fully engage in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
For many of the people we serve at Buckeye Speech Path, such as children with speech and language delays, adolescents/teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum, adults with brain injuries and stroke, people who use AAC, and families navigating general communication challenges—access to communication is access to improved quality of life. IDPD reminds us that inclusion should not be JUST a concept; it should be a daily practice.
How Speech-Language Pathology Supports Inclusion
Speech-language pathologists play a central role in helping individuals in some of the following ways:
Find their voice through speech, language, or augmentative communication
Build meaningful relationships through improved communication skills
Participate confidently in school, work, social activities, and family traditions
Access the tools and strategies that help them express themselves fully
Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone has the right to communicate in the way that fits them best, whether through traditional speech, gestures, sign language, AAC, or multimodal communication.
Support Inclusion This Holiday Season…
The holiday season often brings gatherings, traditions, and settings that can be joyful—but also overwhelming, and sometimes inaccessible for individuals with disabilities. The good news is that small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Check out some of the ways we can all support inclusion this upcoming month.
1. Slow down and make space for communication.
Give children and adults extra time to respond, gesture, or use their communication device. Silence is not a barrier, t’s an opportunity. We could ALL use a chance to JUST. SLOW. DOWN.
2. Use inclusive language.
Avoid assumptions about a person’s abilities, but do not be afraid to ask about their individual strengths. Respect the person’s preferred communication methods.
3. Make holiday environments more accessible.
Reduce noise and create quiet spaces, as needed
Use visual supports or schedules
Offer sensory-friendly activities
Ask what accommodations someone may need
4. Support AAC users.
Model AAC during conversations, include devices at the table, and never take away a child’s or adult’s communication system as a “break.”
5. Invite participation, even in small ways.
Whether it’s decorating cookies, shopping for gifts, choosing a holiday movie, or helping set the table—engagement builds confidence and connection with those around you.
6. Listen to disabled voices.
Learn directly from individuals with disabilities, advocates, and families. Their experiences and perspectives guide meaningful change. Meaningful conversations can happen if you initiate conversations from a place of authentic curiosity to learn and make this world a better place.
7. Spread awareness.
Share resources, celebrate progress, and educate others about IDPD. A simple conversation can inspire more understanding than you might realize.
Building a Community of Belonging
IDPD is more than a date on the calendar. At Buckeye Speech Path, we are using it as a reminder that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to advocating for accessible communication, empowering families, and celebrating the diverse strengths of every child and adult we support.
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in creating a community where differences are welcomed, communication is supported, and every person feels seen and valued.
Because when we make space for every voice, our whole community grows stronger!
Thanks for being a part of Buckeye Speech Path!
We appreciate your willingness to learn and grow together with us!
Warm regards,
Nikki Sizler (Owner and Lead SLP)
