Mobility trade gears up for this year’s 31st annual Disability Awareness Day in Warrington
Mobility and independent living suppliers from across the UK are being invited to exhibit at this year’s Disability Awareness Day on Sunday 17th July, an annual event which regularly attract over 20,000 visitors.
This year’s event will be Warrington Disability Partnership’s 31st annual disability festival. Since its humble beginnings three decades ago DAD, as it is affectionately known, has grown immensely and has taken place in 13 countries worldwide, the latest being Cameroon. DAD Warrington is recognised as the world’s largest voluntary led pan disability event.
The historical Walton Hall and Gardens will once again be the location for the event, which offers a tented village housing over 200 exhibitors promoting independent living, a “Can Do” Sports Zone with scuba diving in the onsite pool, inclusive cricket, wheelchair American football, wheelchair basketball, tai chi, martial arts, as well as wheelchair, physical disability and learning disability rugby league.
Dozens of businesses will be promoting mobility and independent products, wheelchair accessible vehicles, car adaptations and Motability car dealerships, alongside statutory service providers, health, social care, education and employment.
Dave Thompson MBE DL, Founder and Event co-ordinator who founded the event, exclusively commented to THIIS: “Having a serious sporting accident 33 years ago that resulted in tetraplegia, I know too well how important it is to have access to information, advice and guidance on mobility and independent living products and services.
“Although we now have websites and social media, I still feel that seeing products, feeling them and trying them where possible, as well as face-to-face contract with suppliers, is the better way of getting the correct information and starting a relationship between customer and supplier.
“Disability Awareness Day is much more than products and services, with 83 per cent of disabled people acquiring their disability during their working life, many people are left feeling anxious about the future, and the support events at DAD are there to inspire, underlined by a “can do” approach.
“These include have-a-go events in the Sports Zone, an Arts Marquee with seating for 600 people, and a Visual Arts Marquee promoting arts and crafts. But most of all, DAD caters for the whole family with a Main Arena and fairground rides.”
DAD caters for families and people of all ages, with over 120 disability support charities, being pan disability means there will be something for everyone, including mental health, sensory impairments as well as neuro diverse, physical and learning disability. 
The crowds in the Arts Marquee will be treated to acts including nationally acclaimed Ella Together Performance Group, plus Creating Adventures Beautiful Noise Choir, Carly Ryan, Dream Team Drama, BSL Signing Choir, Stars Drama, Signature Brass Band, and more.
The Centre Arena entertainment included the Reach Sled Dogs, Birds of Prey, Physical Disability Rugby League and Martial Arts. A marquee will be dedicated to Silent Disco and the Visual Arts Marquee will offer painting, photography, poetry, and reading, including nationally acclaimed, Grandad Wheels story telling.
One of the highlights of this year’s show will be WDP’s Disability Heritage Project which includes a display of vintage mobility equipment including a 1970’s Invacar AC70, a 1917 three-wheeled invalid trike and a pre WW1 wicker wheelchair.
DAD is free to enter and includes a free 40-page event programme. The range of complimentary services includes BSL interpreters, wheelchair and scooter loans and free park-and-ride and free buses from Warrington town centre.
The main day follows a week long programme of events including Merseycare’s Ignite Your Life, Metal Health and Well-being, Comedy and Curry Night in aid of the 2022 Physical Disability World Cup hosted by international star Adam Hills, Carers Well-being Day, and much more.
To exhibit or advertise at Disability Awareness Day, call Kate on 01925 240064 or email her at k.picken@disabilitypartnership.org.uk
https://thiis.co.uk/mobility-trade-gears-up-for-this-years-31st-annual-disability-awareness-day-in-warrington/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_03971.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_03971-150x150.jpgEvents & ExhibitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade Newsaccess,Disability Awareness Day,Mobility,suppliers,WarringtonMobility and independent living suppliers from across the UK are being invited to exhibit at this year’s Disability Awareness Day on Sunday 17th July, an annual event which regularly attract over 20,000 visitors. This year’s event will be Warrington Disability Partnership’s 31st annual disability festival. Since its humble beginnings three...Liane McIvorLiane McIvorliane@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine
