International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations observed day which aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. This annual day of significance is arguably the biggest day for people with disability in the calendar year. We attended a range of different events in celebration and recognition of people with disability across NSW.
Blacktown IDPwD Funfair and Disability Awards
Team members Alicia, Robby and Nicole from our Community Engagement team took part in the recent Blacktown City International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) Funfair and Disability Awards.
The fun-filled day of celebrations held at Emerton Youth Centre provided a range of ways to support and advocate for people with disability, showcased support services like our own, and a number of activities like arts and crafts and face painting. We showcased our day and group programs, as well as promoting our fantastic, ever-evolving Club All-In discos. Attendees also heard from a guest speaker – proud Blacktown-local, Australian Paralympic cyclist Jayme Richardson.
Many friendly faces attending included Blacktown City Council, Self Advocacy Sydney – an organisation ran by and for people with intellectual disability, Headspace Penrith who provide free information, support, and services to young people and Beyond Care who provide services to people with disability on the NDIS.
The award aspect of the day was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the incredible successes of people with lived experience of disability, carers, advocates, and disability service providers in Blacktown City.
Discover Ability Day – Northern Beaches
We also attended Discover Ability Day, held on International Day of People with Disability on the Northern Beaches. Held in-conjunction with the PCYC and the Northern Beaches Council, the event showcased services, groups and select organisations like us on the Northern Beaches and the inclusive opportunities they offer.
Kempsey’s Big Day Out
Kempsey’s annual Big Day Out is a consistent hit on the Mid North Coast. Staff and participants from all over the Macleay region always have lots of fun and enjoy a fun-filled and inclusive day that showcases many services that support people with disability to reach their goals and live a life that is uniquely theirs. We are especially proud to have sponsored this year’s event.
We not only provided a range of people with information about our local services across the Mid North Coast, but also a fun stall with great activities such as river rock painting, temporary tattoos, a bean bag toss and even a poi spinning workshop. Among our own contributions to the event were many other services from around the community. The contributions made to make this day special truly highlighted how amazing the Kempsey community is.
The day saw some skilled artists drop in to take part in some river rock painting, impressing many with their amazing designs and colour. Other family friendly activities included a jumping castle and slides, tie-dyeing and arts and crafts. Some brave folks even had the chance to pat a crocodile.
Macleay Options provided fun freebies including challenging Rubik’s cubes, yo-yos, and fidget spinners, while Key Employment provided music, with many participants taking the stage to perform a song or two. The silent disco by Blue Sky was a popular attraction too, allowing for the freedom of a loud dance party without upsetting the neighbours. St Agnes Parish provided a colouring board, ETC provided some handy hats and sunscreen, and Rotary and Melville High volunteers provided the BBQ lunch.
We would like to thank Kempsey Council for putting on such a great, inclusive event for our community and we look forward to the next International Day of People with Disability.
