International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a United Nations day that is celebrated every year on 3 December 2025.
The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness about the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Join University of Atypical for a packed programme celebrating the day — featuring artist networking events, the launch of the Sounds Atypical music grant, the opening of a new exhibition, and our very first film screening in the Ledger Studio.
IDPWD 2025 Full programme of activity
Tuesday 25 November
Creative Networking Event – Disability Arts on the International Stage
Join us as we speak with artists Kate Guelke, Shiro Masuymama and Sinead O’Donnell about their experiences working internationally — exploring both the opportunities and the challenges that come with it. Niamh Flanagan (Director of Theatre and Dance NI) and Siobhan Molloy (Arts Council of Northern Ireland) will also be on hand to discuss international opportunities and funding routes for artists.
Date: Tuesday 25 November 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Venue: Ledger Studio, Ground Floor 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF
British Sign Language included.
You can book your spot in 3 ways:
- Book online
- Call us at 028 90 239450
- Email Sheena at sheena@universityofatypical.org
Sounds Atypical Music Awards Year Two
We are delighted to announce the launch of Sounds Atypical Music Awards Year Two on Tuesday 25 November. Funded by Belfast City Council these music awards are for disabled led music events to take place in Belfast City Council regions in 2026.
More information about how to apply will be released on our website on Tuesday 25 November.
Wednesday 26 November- Chocolate & Coffee Volunteer Get-together
Join us for our Chocolate Afternoon — a fun get-together celebrating volunteering.
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Venue: Ledger Studio, Ground Floor 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF
Come for the chocolate, stay for the fun — everyone’s welcome.
To register your interest, contact Cinzia at volunteer@universityofatypical.org
Wednesday 3 December- Art and Our Environment Workshop
This workshop, led by artist Charys Wilson, will delve into methods of camera-less photography, using found organic material from our natural environment. Participants will be invited to create artworks that explore the natural world.
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December – Half Light by Charys Wilson Late Night Art & Artist Talk
Exhibition open: Thursday 13 November – Wednesday 17 December 2025
Art and Our Environment – Cyanotype Workshop: Wednesday 3 December 2025 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm (Free, booking required)
Late Night Art opening: Thursday 4 December 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Artist Talk: Friday 5 December 2025 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Free, no booking)
Friday 5 December- Film Screening of Life After
We’ll be screening Life After, a thought-provoking film exploring Medical Assistance in Dying. Following the screening, there will be a virtual Q&A with the director, Reid Davenport, giving audiences the chance to discuss the film’s themes and the disability rights issues presented.
Audio Description track available. British Sign Language included for Q & A.
Time: Date: Friday 5 December
Time: 6:30 – 9:05 pm (Doors Open at 6:15 pm)
Venue: Ledger Studio, Ground Floor 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF
Film running time: 99 minutes
Q&A: approximately 45 minutes
£8
