5 Jul 2012

Disability awareness

Disability Awareness Day (DAD) on 15th July, is Europe's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led disability exhibition, and is held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens. Set up by Warrington Disability Partnership, it attracts more than 25,000 people every year; an amazing feat for an organisation once told that their vision couldn’t be realised!

This informative and fun day aims to raise awareness of the voluntary, statutory and private services available to people with disabilities, allowing them to live independent and fulfilled lives.

Another way in which the Disability Awareness Day inspires is through showcasing the achievements of disabled people in fields like sports, arts and entertainment.
DAD has so far received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services and believes that real and positive changes are being made in attitudes towards disabled members of society.

This year there will be nearly 500 exhibitors, all working to this year’s theme: “Promoting Independence Throughout Life & Work”, with support groups and services, equipment, transport, technology, holidays, benefits, employment, education, training, mobility, leisure, recreation, sport and much more.

There’s children entertainment suitable for all abilities including bouncy castles, circus skills and Walton Hall Zoo. Expect to be entertained by Stuffets Puppet Theatre, the twelve foot Jubilee Giants and The Urban Gipsies.

At the Sports Zone you’ll find a climbing wall, wheelchair basketball, rowing, archery, football and scuba diving. The activities are provided by qualified coaches and instructors. If you are feeling really energetic, you can join The Pulse sponsored walk or push, raising money for your favourite charity. Or make your way to the Arts Marquee where you’ll find entertainment from Carly & Martin from BBC 3’s Autistic Superstars, the Batala Samba Band, ELLA Performance group, Wired for Sound – Warrington’s community choir, Alan Martin – wheelchair dancer, Dee Sign Choir transforming singing into sign, and Stars Drama.

Running from 7th-15th July, there’ll be plenty of other activities taking place at Walton Hall Gardens as part of Disability Awareness Week. Check out their website for more details.