03/11/2026
Canberra’s disability community is leading I-DAY 2026, and there’s a place for you in this year’s program. Whether you want to find out what’s on, share something you’ve created or bring people together for a local activity, the new I-DAY website is open. Explore I-DAY in the ACT: https://actiday.org.au/
This year’s theme is More Than 3 December: Community, Connection and Belonging. Belonging can start with knowing there’ll be captions at an event, being able to get there on public transport, or having a say in what happens when you arrive. Those things matter on 3 December and on every other day of the year.
This is the second year that people with disability have led I-DAY in the ACT as a community-controlled initiative. People with disability make up the majority of the Steering Committee and will decide which activities receive funding.
Have an idea for a disability-led activity?
Small grants of up to $1,000 are available. You might be planning a storytelling afternoon, a music performance or a community gathering. Funding can help pay speakers and performers with disability and cover access costs such as Auslan interpreting, captioning, equipment or an accessible venue.
People with disability and disability-led groups and organisations can apply. Community organisations can also apply when people with disability lead the activity. You can ask for less than $1,000, you don’t need quotes, and Advocacy for Inclusion can talk through your idea or help with the application. Applications close Monday 16 November. Find the Small Grants Application on the I-DAY website: https://actiday.org.au/
What would make a journey on Canberra’s public transport safer or more welcoming?
Rebus Theatre is bringing that question to the stage in Transport Transformed, a free interactive performance at Gorman Arts Centre in Braddon. The scenes were co-designed with people with disability, transport staff and policy representatives. Audience members can stop the action, step into a scene and try a different response.
There are four performances, at 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm on both Wednesday 2 December and Thursday 3 December. Register for Transport Transformed: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/transport-transformed-tickets-2003750266988
Across Canberra, there are more ways to take part. If you’re organising an event, submit it and include access details so people can plan their visit. If you’re a person with disability who wants to share something you’ve written, recorded or made, Words, Sounds and Images is open for contributions. You can also explore the What’s On listings and read the 2025 I-DAY Declaration.
Know someone with a story to share or an idea for a local gathering? Please pass this on. Visit https://actiday.org.au/
