Disability Awareness Day hosts mobility and independent living suppliers from across the UK
Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) has released its Summer 2023 Insight Report, with focus on Disability Awareness Day (DAD) 2023, which saw several mobility and independent living suppliers from across the UK in attendance.
The annual event which took place on the 16 of July in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington, North West England, is recognised as the world’s largest not for profit voluntary-led disability exhibition, according to the WDP.
Organised by the Disability Trading Company and its owners the Warrington Disability Partnership, the aim of this year’s event was to promote independent living through the theme: “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”.
The show has three main aims, to highlight what statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent; to promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers, we want everyone to see the best and/or latest designs, and to provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do, in the field of sport, arts and entertainment.
Visitors to the show had the opportunity to interact with over 200 organisations that include support groups, statutory services and businesses sharing ideas on education, care, equipment, transport, holidays, leisure, employment and much more.
Alongside promoting services, exhibitors were able to network with other organisations and display a range of innovative products and services, while informing attendees about services and products that can aid mobility and independent living. The contact details of all exhibitors will be available for the next 12 months on the DAD website.
DAD attendees were also able to access a one-stop-shop for advice and guidance about conditions and services, peer-to-peer support, supplied mainly by charities and community groups, and a range of pan-disability and pan-age matters relating to inclusion and independence. Charities and community groups were able to benefit from their attendance on the day by fundraising through various activities.
Additional entertainment was provided, including a sports zone with free events, a performing arts marquee, two arts and crafts marquees, silent disco, main arena, and family entertainment.
Joint principal sponsors United Utilities had a busy day with all of its water-saving giveaway items claimed by mid-afternoon, while health, social care, education, employment and training providers were well represented, led by additional joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning.
Special guests to DAD included the High Sheriff of Cheshire Dr Dennis Dunn MBE JP DL, the Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington, Councillor Steve Wright, and his wife Julie, who all praised the team behind DAD and the sponsors and supporters.
The week leading up to the event also saw many helpful and informative events.
On Tuesday 11 July, the UK Government scheme Disability Confident, Warrington Disability Partnership and Jobcentre Plus, held a workshop for employers regarding recruitment and retention, reasonable adjustments and funding, which gave three disabled people the opportunity to share their experiences of good and poor employment practices.
The morning of Thursday 13 July saw over 100 staff from support services based in the North West attend the event presented by Customer Vulnerability Summit and United Utilities, which highlighted support services available to vulnerable customers, including priority services and much more.
In the afternoon, the Carers Wellbeing Festival and Warrington Carers Hub attracted carers to its event, which thanked carers with health and wellbeing activities including massages, mindfulness, music, crafts and lunch.
