30th annual Disability Awareness Day 2021 given the green light to go ahead in September
The 30th anniversary of Disability Awareness Day, which is held in Cheshire, has been given the go-ahead – subject to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted as planned.
After closely monitoring updates on guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Warrington Disability Partnership, the organising team behind the UK’s largest voluntary led pan-disability exhibition, have announced that the event, which was held virtually last year, will go ahead.
Event co-ordinator Dave Thompson said: “The health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and our team is always our number one priority. This is particularly important given the communities that DAD involves.
“After consulting with Public Health and our Local Authorities Events Safety Team to ensure we can follow national and local guidance, we are pleased to confirm that our 30th annual event will go ahead on Sunday 12th September in the scenic grounds of Walton Hall and Gardens located off the A56 in Warrington, Cheshire.”
Dave added: “We are expecting over 20,000 visitors from across the UK, and we still have opportunities for business exhibitors and sponsors.”
He went on to say: “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 Disability Awareness Day.”
The aim of this year’s event is to promote independent living through the theme: It’s what disabled people can do that matters.
Exhibitors at Disability Awareness Day will showcase 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, which will be supported by a Sports Zone, a Centre Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee and a children’s play area.
On the day, visitors can gain an insight into the help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally. They can “have a go” at sports activities including basketball, fencing, boccia, football, rugby league, boxing, cricket, tennis and scuba diving in the on-site pool.
For those looking for a more relaxed day there will be a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists, or they can sit alongside the Centre Arena watching dog display teams, birds of prey, bands and sports demonstrations.
Children can visit the funfair rides or accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.
Support services at Disability Awareness Day will include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible busses 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 helpers.
