WDP to lead celebrations of international day of the disabled

WARRINGTON Disability Partnership (WDP) is leading the town’s celebrations for this years International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3
The theme for this year’s IDPD is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”.
WDP is recognised as one of the UK’s leading user led disability charities, with 27 services aimed at promoting and supporting independent living for Warrington’s 34,000 disabled people, and further afield with WDP’s reach also extending across to Liverpool and across the UK and many countries around the world.
Co-founder and chief executive Dave Thompson said: “At WDP we lead by example, with over 80 per cent of our 50 staff and 230 volunteers disabled people. We believe it’s what disabled people can do that really matters”.
More than 83 per cent of the UK’s 13.9 million disabled people acquire their disability during their working life. For many it is life changing, affecting them physically, sensory, cognitively and mentally.
Dave said: “Information, advice and guidance are vital to enabling people to understand that they have choices about life and work. Many people fear for the future, not knowing where to turn to, often they simply need a listening ear, and someone to help them to navigate their journey ahead”.
This year WDP will celebrate the International Day by launching their annual “Appreciation of Efforts Awards” which aim to recognise and reward organisations and individuals that have gone the extra mile to improve the lives of local disabled people.
Nominating an organisation or individual is easy. Simply call WDP on 240064 to request an application form, or download one from WDP’s website or collect a nomination form one of WDP’s services: Shopmobility or Mobility and Independent Living Store in the Golden Square or Centre for Independent Living in Evelyn Street, off Liverpool Road.
Winners will be invited to a presentation ceremony as part of WDP’s Annual General Meeting that will be held on Tuesday, January 22, where they will receive a framed certificate.
Nominations close on the December 31.