15 June 2025

In New Zealand, Disability Awareness Sunday (DAS) is observed on the third Sunday in June. This year it is on 15 June 2025.

Disability Awareness Sunday is an opportunity to be intentional about disability awareness within the Church. It is also about celebrating people with disabilities in their gifts and recognising that we are all valuable members of the Body of Christ. This year's theme is 'Respect'.

We want 'Respect' to shape the fundamental way we interact with every person.

'Respect' goes far beyond seven letters; to help us explore this concept, we've selected three key-words we think help to put 'Respect' into practice. The three words are:

Equal: We need to treat each other with kindness and equal importance.
Value: We all have an inherent value as humans made in God’s image.
Dignity: We all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Purple background with title that reads this year's theme is 'Respect'

How to Participate

Disability Awareness Sunday is a great opportunity to spark a conversation in your Church community about disability awareness. You could ask to play one of the video resources, put up posters, or send your Church small groups the 'Conversation Starters'. See the resources section below.

Participating goes far beyond the third Sunday of June, it is a life-long opportunity to commit to learning about disabilities, how they affect fellow believers, and encourage each other in our faith, despite our circumstances.