This #IDPWD, Resource Disability-Led Futures
Dear Friends and Partners,
Today, we join global disability rights movements to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). This year’s theme, Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future, reflects the heart of the Disability Rights Fund’s (DRF) commitment to center the lived experiences of persons with disabilities driving transformative shifts. Support this commitment by making a donation to DRF today.
Members of Umoja People with Disabilities gather at DRF’s grantee convening in Lilongwe this year. Photo: Rucha Chitnis
Persons with disabilities are not just participants—we are visionary experts and intersectional strategists. We are charting bold solutions and are redefining leadership on our terms. Take, for example, the Association of Refugees with Disabilities (ARD) in Uganda—a pioneering organization led by and for refugees with disabilities, now gaining recognition across East Africa for its visionary leadership.
As James Muombamungu, ARD’s Executive Director, explains: “We believe that refugees with disabilities are not just participants but leaders. We support them through programs and other platforms for resources and opportunities. Their stories reflect courage and determination.” Watch this energizing video from ARD to mark IDPWD.
From Indonesia to Nepal to Malawi, the leadership of persons with disabilities has secured disability-inclusive budgeting and game-changing national policies. DRF’s new strategic plan, Disability-Led Futures for a Just World, recognizes that resourcing this movement-centered leadership begins with trust and responsive investments—not piecemeal or paternalistic funding models.
We know that the time to activate new, more, and better funding for disability movements is NOW!
It’s no coincidence that #GivingTuesday and IDPWD align today. We hope you will resource the visionary leadership of persons with disabilities by making a donation to DRF and encourage your networks to do the same.
In solidarity,
Myroslava Tataryn, Chief of Movements Division