In 2026, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) turns 20.

For self-advocates, the CRPD is more than a document. It is a tool they use every day to speak up, push for change and remind the world that people with intellectual disabilities have the same rights as everyone else.

To mark the anniversary, Inclusion International and our member in Spain, Plena Inclusión, are inviting self-advocacy groups around the world to celebrate together. Groups will hold local events in October and November, and then come together online on 3 December 2026, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A celebration led by self-advocates

The celebration is being organised through Plena International, a joint project between Inclusion International and Plena Inclusión.

Every other month, self-advocates from different countries meet through Plena International to talk about the issues that matter to them, like accessibility, employment and independent living.

For the self-advocates in Plena International, this anniversary matters. The CRPD has helped more people understand the rights of people with disabilities, and it has given self-advocates a stronger base to speak up and push for inclusion.

Over the past months, our team and Plena Inclusión have been planning how groups everywhere can take part, whatever their size or resources. The result is a simple way for any self-advocacy group to join in, starting in their own community.

The cover page of the CRPD 20th Anniversary Celebration Toolkit

How it works

Taking part happens in three steps.

  1. Hold a local event. Self-advocacy groups celebrate the CRPD in their own community in October or November 2026. It can be in person or online, and it does not need to be big. A coffee morning, a short talk, an open day or an hour added to a meeting you already have planned all count.
  2. Share your messages. Groups send their photos, videos, messages and stories to Inclusion International by 30 November 2026.
  3. Join the online celebration. On 3 December, self-advocates from around the world will come together online. Messages from local events will be shared with a global audience, and some groups will be invited to present.

At their events, groups can look back at the advocacy they have done over the last 20 years, talk about what has changed and what still needs to change, and record a message for self-advocates around the world.

A toolkit to help you plan

To help groups get started, we have created a celebration toolkit for self-advocacy groups and the organisations that support them.

It includes event ideas, a suggested agenda, discussion questions, a planning checklist, a permission form, and poster and leaflet templates.

The toolkit is built around one idea: self-advocates lead the planning of their own event, and supporting organisations help make it happen.

You do not need experience or a big budget to take part. The toolkit will guide you.

Download the toolkit in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.

Save the date

The global online celebration will take place on 3 December 2026. We will share more details about how to join soon.

Find out more about the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the CRPD

You can also read Mark Mapemba’s blog on what the CRPD means to self-advocates.

If you have questions or would like help planning your event, contact Mark Mapemba, Self-advocate Coordinator, at mark@inclusion-international.org.