VOLUNTEERS are busy preparing for the 22nd annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton hall and Gardens which this year takes place on Sunday July 14 – with Your Housing Group once again agreeing to be principle sponsors.
Described by visitors as “Inspirational and motivating” Disability Awareness Day (DAD), has inspired organisations across the UK, Europe and Worldwide to emulate the event. Towns and cities across the UK, Gibraltar, Denmark, and Sweden have all run DAD events, and for the past two years the MESSAGE Institute based in the Punjab in India have organised their events to coincide with Warrington’s big day.
Held in the grand settings of Walton Hall Gardens, located off the A56 in Warrington, DAD 2013 will be the climax of a week long of activities and will also include a family fun day from 10am till 5pm.
A huge tented village will house the exhibition involving over 250 exhibitors promoting independent living, supporting activities include a wide range of performing Arts, inclusive Sports, and children’s and family entertainments. Over 25,000 visitors are expected to travel to Warrington from across the UK and beyond. DAD will be the finale of a week consisting of 12 complementary events that will attract thousands more visitors.
Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights of the event with disabled performers and an exhibition of Artwork produced by disabled artists. This year’s Sports Zone will include archery, rifle shooting, climbing wall, wheelchair basketball, golf, sailing and scuba diving, with the opportunity to do a taster dive in the onsite temporary swimming pool. Children and families won’t be stuck for things to do with entertainers and a funfair.
With a free accessible Park & Ride service from the Old Greenall Brewery site 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 and independence.
The strap line for this year’s event is “promoting independence throughout life and work”.
Event founder Dave Thompson MBE DL said: Overall DAD focuses on what disabled people can do, not what we can’t do.”
Meanwhile organisers are also looking for a “Dads Army” of volunteers to help at the event.
Head steward Terry Cook said: “Being part of this event is a very rewarding experience. It’s hard work but it’s also really good fun and the people you meet are amazing”.
This year’s event will include a scuba area, kiddies water boats, a sports for all zone, and many more attractions and fun family entertainment alongside a wide range of information and displays.
Anyone who would like to join in the fun and be part of this year’s DAD’s Army should contact Donna Hubbard or Caroline Thompson on 01925 240064, email [email protected]
Alternatively they can attend the DAD Stewards’ information meeting at Alford Hall Sports and Social Club on Manchester Road on Wednesday, June 19 at 8pm.
All stewards must attend one of a health and safety briefing session during Disability Awareness Week. These will be held on Wednesday July 10 at 8pm or Saturday July 13 at 2pm.
Picture shows Dave Thompson with Your Housing MD Brian Cronin.
