D.A.D 2012 as told by Warrington Disability Partnership

On Sunday 15th July, crowds flocked to the 21st anniversary of the North West Disability Awareness Day, the final event of a weeklong annual festival saw over 20,000 visitors.

Disability Awareness Day, organised by Warrington Disability Partnership is Europe's largest “not for profit” voluntary-led disability exhibition and is held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens Warrington. This year’s event attracted over 250 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of information on services available for disabled people, equipment suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure, employment, support groups and services.

Despite the bad weather and the loss of Dave Connor a prominent member of the DAD Team this year’s Disability Awareness Week events were hailed a huge success with a further 6,000 people enjoying a week-long programme of events, in the lead up to the day.

The week began in Warrington Town Centre with the launch where thousands of shoppers enjoyed the Arts Showcase in the Old Market Place, Golden Square. The sun shone as they gathered to enjoy music, theatre, singing and dancing, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Steve Wright. Entertainers included the internationally acclaimed ‘Heroes’, who had reformed for this year’s events.

A range of events were held during the week including “Frogtastic”, Party in the Park, Tea in a Tent, Theatre in the Park, ‘Ignite Your Life’, DAD BBQ in the Park and workshops and seminars attracting students and employers.

There were mounting fears throughout the week that the events may have to be cancelled due of the waterlogged condition of the grounds. But DAD’s Army of volunteers, ably assisted by Walton Halls Rangers worked tirelessly to ensure that everything went ahead as planned. Interestingly several members of the team and several exhibitors have taken part in each of the 21 annual events.
Thousands of visitors participated in the Olympic themed Sports Zone, which included archery, shooting, basketball, football, sailing, cricket, a climbing wall and scuba diving in the on-site pool. New for 2012 was the hot air balloon together with a wheelchair accessible basket.

Thousands relaxed in the Performing Arts Marquee, which showcased talent from around the region and beyond. There was also something for all with family with entertainment in the ‘FUNZONE’ that include circus skills, a giant puppets show, fairground rides and go karts.

Free programs given to all visitors were packed with contact details and useful tips and ideas. Eleven huge marquees were packed with displays and exhibition stands from small family run charities to large local, regional and national support organisations.

Sponsors and key supporters of the event were recognised on the day at a VIP Reception, held in Walton Hall, a presentation was given by the principle sponsors for the day ‘Your Housing Group’, one of the country’s newest and largest housing associations which prides itself on catering for the needs of disabled residents.

Dave Thompson MBE founder and event co-ordinator fulfilled an ambition when he flew over the DAD event site in a helicopter. Dave said, “Being a wheelchair user for the past 23 years has meant seeing life from one height, but seeing the event from the air was an incredible honour, an experience that I will never forget”.

Dave paid tribute to the team, whilst dozens of outdoor events were being cancelled across the country, our team of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the show went on. Dave and the team are already planning next year’s event which will be held on Sunday 14th July 2013.

For more information visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk