International Day of People with Disability, 3rd December 2024

"Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future" UN theme for 2024.

To celebrate this theme, ABC's Gardening Australia episode on December 6th featured Maree Jenner, who was born with dwarfism. Refusing to let her condition define her, Maree leads a vibrant and fulfilling life. As a passionate gardener, she has overcome physical challenges in her own garden. She also enjoys involvement at her local community garden. At the same time, Maree runs inclusion awareness programs in primary schools, teaching children the value of using kind and respectful language.

The same Gardening Australia episode also highlighted Jane Edmunson's visit to a gardening and planting program through ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia) in Surrey Hills, Melbourne. There, a group of autistic adults are developing new skills while helping regenerate a local park, showcasing the power of gardening to foster growth, learning, and connection.

For more information, here is the link to the Gardening Australia episode. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/2024-series-35-episode-37/104695788