Skip to main content

Poetic Disability (International Day of People with Disability 2025)

 Every year on this day the 3rd of December people around the world celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who live with disabilities. 

This is important because people with disabilities deserve to be an equal part of our society. 

For me though International Day of People with Disability always brings up complicated feelings. On one hand I enjoy that people finally recognise my contribution to the community; on the other I want to be recognised without my disability being a factor. 

It is going to sound weird but I have fought so long to be "just Chris" that the focus of International Day of People with Disability makes my day to day struggles feel like they have a spotlight on them. 

I know that there are things in my life I have achieved because of my disability but there are many more things in my life I haven't been able to do for the same reason. 

This year's theme fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress is what people with disabilities have been fighting for since the beginning of time. 

When we are all equal, able bodied and disabled alike, then there will be true social progress.

My ultimate dream is that International Day of People with Disability will be taken off the calendar because we will just be recognised as powerful individuals. 

I have to admit that I would not be a poet without my poetic disability. 


Making Progress

Living with a disability there are so many things you are left to guess;

Will my muscles work today? Will there be any steps? Will I make any progress?

Society fights inclusion ;

While creating a pretty illusion.


People with disabilities will keep moving forward until our rights are near;

We know it's going to take more than one day a year.

People with disabilities across the globe have united nations;

To amplify our voices in all the world's stations.


When my life feels normal I win.

Wanting everything you do is not a sin.

Hearing every yes;

Means people with disabilities are making progress. 


© Chris Van Ingen | 3 December 2025

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

Circle of Life or Circle of Tech

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...
Post a Comment
Read more