All set for 33rd Disability Awareness Day!

LOCAL charity Warrington Disability Partnership, the organisers of the UK’s and possibly, the world’s largest voluntary led pan disability exhibition are finalising the plans for this year’s 33rd annual event.

Disability Awareness Day founder and co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL said, “We are very pleased to announce that disability education specialists Expanse Learning Group and the North West’s water supplier United Utilities, are leading our list of sponsors for DAD 2024”.

The aim of this year’s event is to promote independent living through the theme “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”. DAD 2024 exhibitors will highlight solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, training, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.

Most of this year’s exhibitors will be housed in a huge, tented village of marquees that will be supported by; an extended Sports Zone, a Main Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee, two further Arts Marquees for art and crafts, a Silent Disco, a children’s fun fair and play areas. Entertainment will also be available adjacent to the entrance bridge and Heritage Yard.
On Disability Awareness Day, visitors can gain an insight into the help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally from statutory organisations, businesses and voluntary sector groups.
They can “have a go” at sports activities including Tennis, American Football, Snooker, Rugby League, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, PowerChair Football, CrossFit and Scuba Diving in the on-site pool. In addition, Warrington Youth Zone’s giant sports inflatables.
For those looking for a more relaxed day we will have a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists including Ella Together, Creating Adventures, BSL Choir, Stars Drama, Wolf Print Dance and Groovy Movers. BSL interpreters will support all acts.
Alternatively, sit alongside the Main Arena watching Guide Dog display team, Reach Sled Dogs Display Team, Batida Rio Samba Band, Royal Marines Corps of Drums and sports demonstrations.
Children can visit the funfair rides or Walton Gardens accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.

Disability Awareness Day 2024 will be the finale of a week of complementary events that includes:
• Tuesday evening: Creating Adventures “Greatest Show” with a wide range of variety acts. Tickets required.
• Wednesday daytime: Merseycare NHS Trust “Ignite Your Life”, mental health and wellbeing festival.
• Wednesday evening: Ella Together “Summertime Special”, a showcase of talented entertainers. Tickets required.
• Thursday daytime: Warrington Carers Hub “Wellbeing Festival”, join us for a day of socialising, information, and pampering.
• Thursday afternoon and evening: “Party in the Park” for disabled children, young disabled people and young carers.
• Friday evening: “Bjorn to be Abba”, the UK’s leading Abba tribute band. Tickets required.

All of the events listed above will be held undercover. A licenced bar will be available at the evening events (except the Party in the Park).
For more details and tickets please contact the DAD Admin team on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk
Support services at DAD 2024 will include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a free scooter and wheelchair loan service with trained enablers, British Sign Language interpreters, additional unisex wheelchair accessible toilets and over 100 trained stewards and helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.

For any enquiries, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064