Disability Awareness Day, Sunday 11th July

 

“Inspirational and motivating” that’s was the expression used by Jonathan Shaw Minister for Disabled People when he visited the team at last years Northwest Disability Awareness Day (DAD).  The event was the finale of a week consisting of 12 complementary events that attracted thousands of visitors including the Minister who praised the work of the team of volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the event. He added that "DAD typifies the strength, tenacity and flexibility of the voluntary sector". He also paid further praise to the joint work between the voluntary, statutory and private sectors in supporting the event as sponsors and exhibitors.

 This year’s event is the 19^th annual show and will be held on Sunday 11^th July at Walton Hall Gardens (Off A56) Warrington. DAD is Europe’s largest voluntary led pan disability exhibition supported by a wide range of Arts, Sports, children’s and family entertainments. Attracting nearly 300 exhibitors (including two from Spain and Cyprus) the event attracts over 100 voluntary sector groups covering physical, sensory and learning disabilities, mental health and carers, young and not so young, the event has something for every one of the expected 25,000 visitors from across the UK.

Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights of the event with disabled artists from across the North West and an on-site cinema housing the “Slice of Life” film festival which will highlight short films made by or staring disabled people or written on a disability theme. One of the twelve marquees will be dedicated to Alternative Therapies and one area of the event site will host the Sports Zone. Children and families won’t be stuck for thing to do with a main entertainments arena and funfair.

DAD is one of the largest community events in the North West involving over 150 volunteer stewards and assistants from Lions and Rotary Clubs, Sea Cadets, Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute and dozens of family and friends.  It’s not surprising that the event received royal recognition when the organising team Warrington Disability Partnership were presented with a Queens Award for Voluntary Services.

With a free accessible Park & Ride service and free bus from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language Interpreters, a scooter and wheelchair loans service, trained assistants, the event is built on promoting inclusion.  The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has once again signed up as this year’s principal sponsor; together with a wide range of national, regional and local organisations also supporting the event.

Chair of Warrington Disability Partnership and event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL, said: “Against a back ground of economic crisis which has affected charities as well as businesses we are amazed at the response we have received in anticipation for this year’s event. Its thanks to the hard work and commitment of our management team, our stewards and assistants, our exhibitors, our visitors and the support of our sponsors that ensures that the event grows stronger each year. We would like to thank our colleagues at the NWDA and all of our other sponsors for their continuing support”.

DAD is organised by Warrington Disability Partnership a local not for profit social enterprise and registered charity. The team spend over a year planning each event and a week preparing and dismantling the site. Many of the volunteers take their annual leave to be there.