Suppliers to promote independent living products and services at Disability Awareness Day
Mobility and independent living suppliers from across the UK are invited to showcase their range of products and services at this year’s Disability Awareness Day (DAD) on Sunday 14th July.
Organised by the Disability Trading Company and their parent charity the Warrington Disability Partnership, the voluntary led pan disability exhibition is now in its 33rd year, and will take place at Walton Hall and Gardens in Cheshire.
British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members are being offered a five per cent discount on the remaining indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, and show guide advertising.
Event founder and co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL said, “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 DAD 2024”.
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.
With over 220 exhibitors, the DAD team are preparing to welcome over 20,000 visitors to this year’s event.
Vehicle adaptation specialists BAS (NW) will share news about the latest hand controls, hoists, and seating systems, alongside newcomers to the show Driving Mobility who will be represented by three of their Northwest based Driving Assessment Centres.
Supplier of accessible bathrooms, kitchens and daily living products AKW will be exhibiting a range of products that are designed to promote independence and preserve dignity.
The team at Terry Lifts will be on hand promoting their latest through floor and step lifts. Northeast based Automotive Group will be promoting their range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, alongside several leading Motability car dealerships.
Sunrise Medical, Freerider, Alerta, Primacare, Recliners, Kymco, Drive Devilbiss, Monarch Mobility, Quantum, One Rehab and Pride products will be on display on the various dealer stands.
Most of this year’s exhibitors will be housed undercover 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, and more.
On the day, visitors can gain insight to the help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally from statutory organisations, businesses and voluntary sector groups. They can also try out sports activities including Tennis, Cricket, American Football, Snooker, Rugby League, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, PowerChair Football, and Scuba Diving in the on-site pool.
For those looking for a more relaxed day there is a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists including Ella Together, Creating Adventures, BSL Choir, Stars Drama, Wolf Print Dance and Groovy Movers.
Alternatively, attendees can also sit alongside the Main Arena to watch the 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.
DAD 2024 will be the finale of a week of complementary events that includes Creating Adventures “Greatest Show” variety night, Merseycare NHS Trust “Ignite Your Life” mental health and wellbeing day, Ella Together “Summertime Special”, Carers Hub “Wellbeing Festival”, “Party in the Park” for disabled young people and young carers.
Support services at DAD 2024 will include a free accessible park and ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a scooter and wheelchair loan service, 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.
The BHTA will host a joint section meeting in June to highlight a range of important topics such as medical device standards and provide business accessibility tips.
