Annual disability awareness event returns to support thousands of people with disabilities

Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the annual Disability Awareness Day (DAD) will return on the 14th July 2019, supporting hundreds of thousands of disabled people, their families, friends and carers.

DAD inspires people from all over the world and provides advice and support to disabled people, their families, friends and carers. Money raised by charities attending DAD events has passed £1 million.

More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s voluntary-led event, with the support of new joint principal sponsors Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A tented village housing approximately 240 exhibitors, including equipment suppliers; transport, holidays, leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services, is set to attract visitors from all over the UK and further afield.

Inclusive Arts is one of the highlights of the event, with some of the UK’s top disabled artists including nationally recognised performers such as the Ella Performance Group and Carly Ryan.

The Main Arena will offer visitors a range of family entertainment, including dog display teams, falconry displays and a samba band. Also on site will be the fully accessible Sports Zone with free events to try out, such as scuba diving, golf, cricket, basketball and much more.

A free, accessible Park and Ride service is available from Wilderspool Park, plus a free bus service every 30 minutes starting at 9.30am from Warrington Bus Interchange. British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, trained assistants, and a mobility scooter/wheelchair loans service promise to ensure DAD is fully inclusive to all.

“The background story to DAD is a great example of just how far a ‘can do’ attitude can take you,” said Event Founder and Co-ordinator, Dave Thompson MBE DL. “What started out as a one-off event is now one the highlights of the international disabled community’s calendar – inspiring similar events as far afield as India, Cameroon, Uganda, Gibraltar and Thailand. Our team is also working closely with one of our corporate sponsors St Mark Universal Copts Care teams based in the UK and working in Egypt and Sudan.”

There will also be several workshops and fundraising events at DAD to help attract more visitors, including disabled children and young people, people with mental health conditions and people with learning disabilities.

Established in 1992, the disability information day began as a small event, but has grown in size and stature to become an internationally recognised event. It was founded by Dave Thompson MBE DL and is managed by Warrington Disability Partnership, the charity Dave founded in 1991.

The event will take place on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm at the Walton Hall Gardens in Cheshire.

For more details on DAD, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit the website