Record-breaking Disability Awareness Day

THE North West Disability Awareness Day (DAD) held at Walton Gardens, Warrington has been hailed as “the biggest and best” in its 18 year history.
Organised by Warrington Disability Partnership, DAD 2009 attracted over 27,000 visitors from across the region and over 280 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe – two travelled in from Spain and Cyprus.
The event was the finale of a week consisting of 12 complementary events attracting thousands of visitors including the Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw, who praised the work of the team of volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the event.
Mr Shaw, pictured above being welcomed by Dave Thompson and some of the DAD team, said: “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.
Over 120 of the exhibitors were charities covering all age groups from children and young people to adults and older people, and physical, sensory and learning impairment, mental health and carers.
DAD 2009 was a huge community event that successfully involved over 230 volunteers stewards and young assistants including dozens of family and friends of Warrington Disability Partnership, Lions and Rotary Clubs, Sea Cadets, Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, St John Ambulance, Friends of Walton Gardens, Dial A Ride, in addition to over 400 volunteers who helped to staff the charity exhibition stands.
The event is recognised as Europe’s largest voluntary led disability exhibition and it’s not surprising that the event organisers received royal recognition when they were presented with a Queens Award for Voluntary Services in 2006.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency is the principal sponsor of DAD 2009 and Chief Executive Steven Broomhead (pictured right) said: “The NWDA continues to work hard to ensure people across all communities have access to the facilities and infrastructure that contribute to a successful regional economy and enjoy a good quality of life.
“Disability Awareness Day has gone from strength to strength, raising awareness of disability issues and promoting the skills of the talented people within the region.”
Chair of Warrington Disability Partnership and event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL, said: “Awareness and understanding of the availability of independent living support is of major importance to tens of thousands of the Northwest’s two million disabled people and carers. We know that DAD provides a vital role in highlighting what is available, not just by attending the event but also by accessing the website during the 12 months between events”.
Plans are already underway for Disability Awareness Day 2010 which will be held on Sunday July 11 at Walton Hall Gardens Warrington Cheshire (Off A56).
For more details email [email protected] or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk