Its Back – Disability Awareness Day
Event founder and co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL said,
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. Including Healthwatch Warrington.
Most of the 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 the 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, 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. 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.
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.
DAD 2024 will be the finale of a week of complementary events that includes:
- Tuesday Evening - Creating Adventures “Greatest Show” variety night,
- Wednesday Daytime - Merseycare NHS Trust “Ignite Your Life” mental health and wellbeing day,
- Wednesday Evening - Ella Together “Summertime Special”,
- Thursday Daytime - Carers Hub “Wellbeing Festival”,
- Thursday Afternoon - “Party in the Park Part 1” for disabled children
- Thursday Evening - “Party in the Park Part 2” young disabled people and young carers.
- Friday Evening - The finale of the week will see the UK’s top tribute band “Bjorn to be Abba”.
Volunteers needed
Dave and his team at Warrington Disability Partnership have worked with teams from across the world, who organise events in Cameroon, Gibraltar, Egypt, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda and many more countries.
Theres still time for you, your colleagues, family and friends to get involved in DAD 2024 as a volunteer steward. You could be the next member of DAD’s Army.
For more details visit the DAD website
www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk or
Call Kate on 01925 240064.
