25 June 2008

Disability Awareness Day 2008

The awareness and understanding about independent living/support services is a major priority for tens of thousands of the Northwest’s 2 million disabled people and carers.

Disability Awareness Day is a pan disability exhibition supported by Arts, Sports, children’s and family entertainments.

The event attracts nearly 300 exhibitors including over 120 charities covering physical, sensory and learning impairment, mental health and carers will have something for every one of the expected 25,000 visitors.

Exhibitors at this year’s Disability Awareness Day (DAD) will be promoting the latest innovations in equipment including the world’s lightest wheelchair, designed using carbon fibre technology developed in Formula 1 motor racing - the Free Spirit range from Future Chairs weighs in at less than 6.3kg.

A wide range of organisations will be highlighting health and social care support services including the public launch of Patient Opinion Website mental health project.

Inclusive Arts is one of the highlights of this year’s line-up with the International Arts Collaborative “Hands Across the Water” project exhibiting painting produced by disabled people in Osaka Japan.

An on-site cinema will house the “Slice of Life” film festival highlighting short films made by or starring disabled people or written on a disability theme.        

DAD is also one of the largest community events in the Northwest involving over 150 volunteer stewards and assistants from Lions and Rotary Clubs, Sea and Fire Cadets, Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute and dozens of family and friends. 

It’s not surprising that the event has received royal recognition when the organising team Warrington Disability Partnership were presented with a Queens Award for Voluntary Services, and the event is recognised as Europe’s largest voluntary led disability exhibition.

With a free accessible Park & Ride service and free bus from Warrington Bus Interchange, BSL Interpreters, wheelchair loans and assistants, the event is built on promoting inclusion. 

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is the principal sponsor of dad 2008. Chief Executive, Steven Broomhead said:

“The NWDA is delighted to be sponsoring this important event, which will provide a great opportunity to highlight the range of services that are available to disabled people in England’s Northwest. 
“Disabled people make a valuable contribution to our regions economy and it is vital that we create an environment that allows them to fulfil their potential. The Agency is proud to be supporting the outstanding work achieved through Disability Awareness Day, which will raise awareness of disability issues and promote the skills and talents of the region’s disabled people.”
Chair of Warrington Disability Partnership and event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL, said:

“The whole team is still on a high after receiving the Queens Award for Voluntary Services, this has added to the continuing success of the event which provides a platform for small family run organisations to promote their services alongside the biggest National charities and businesses, and its thanks to the hard work and commitment of our management team, our stewards and assistants, our exhibitors, our visitors and the support of our sponsors that keep it developing each year. We would like to thank our colleagues at the NWDA and all of our other sponsors for their continuing support”.

Disability Awareness Day 2008 will be held on Sunday 6th July at Walton Hall Gardens Warrington Cheshire (Off A56).

For more details contact event organiser Dave Thompson MBE DL on 07879 440134 or email dave.thompson@5bp.nhs.uk or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk