ABLE hosts International Day of People with Disability morning tea

ExxonMobil Australia team members recently came together in our Melbourne office for a morning tea hosted by the ABLE committee to acknowledge International Day of People with Disability.

International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations observed day (3 December) which aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31.

“One in five Australians will experience some form of disability in their lifetime, so it is more common than you might think,” said ABLE Chair, Renee Ellul.

A disability is any condition that restricts a person’s mental, sensory or mobility functions.  It may be caused by accident, trauma, genetics or disease.  A disability may be temporary or permanent, total or partial, lifelong or acquired, visible or invisible.

Staff were encouraged to share some insight about their own disabilities, or experiences of someone close to them. There was also a discussion about how inspiration can be taken from the achievements of celebrities with disabilities. 

Renee said, “The morning tea provided a way to connect with colleagues and share common experiences around disability in a safe space.

“Next year we hope to grow and have multiple sites participating.”