Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and celebrating 30 years of the Disability Discrimination Act

Today, on 3 December, we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), established by the United Nations. The day provides a vital opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting their rights, wellbeing and full inclusion in society. 

We believe this day holds special importance. Many older people live with long-term health conditions or disabilities, and ensuring they have access to appropriate housing, care and support is essential. By highlighting IDPD, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive housing design, equitable access to care services, and dignity and respect for older adults with disabilities or mobility needs.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), a landmark UK law that made it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in employment, access to goods, facilities and services, and in the disposal or management of premises. To mark this milestone, Housing LIN has commissioned a series of guest blogs from a wide range of voices — former and current campaigners, policymakers, practitioners, and people with lived experience. These blogs offer insights into the DDA’s legacy, its successes, and where improvements are still needed, especially in housing and the built environment.

Following the publication of these insightful blogs, we were delighted to host a HAPPI Hour webinar, 30 Years On: Reflecting on the Disability Discrimination Act and the Road Ahead. We were honoured to be joined by Emma Palmer, Cabinet Office Disability & Housing Ambassador and Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes, among other voices, each contributing valuable reflections on the past three decades and the challenges that remain.