SUBJECT to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted as planned the 30th anniversary of Warrington Disability Awareness Day is set to go-ahead in September.
After closely monitoring updates on guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic the organising team behind the UK’s largest voluntary led pan-disability exhibition have announced that the event at Walton Hall & Gardens will go ahead.
Event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL 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, and we are pleased to confirm that our 30th annual event will go ahead on Sunday 12th September.
“This will of course be dependent on the government lifting of the ban on large social gatherings and other measures that may affect the holding of the event.
Dave added, “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 #DAD2021”.
The aim of this year’s event is to promote independent living through the theme “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”. #DAD2021 exhibitors 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.
#DAD2021 will be the finale of a week of complimentary events. For more details of these events, please contact the DAD Admin team or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk
Support services at #DAD2021 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 helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.
DAD continues to capture the imaginations of organisations around the UK and worldwide with events planned in Cameroon, India, Uganda and more. It is no wonder that DAD continues to be recognised as the world’s largest voluntary led pan-disability independent living exhibition and family fun day covering physical, sensory and learning disabilities and mental health, and all ages.
For any enquiries, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064, or contact Dave directly davethompson@disabilitypartnership.org.uk
