The City of Fremantle will mark International Day of People with Disability with a community event, as well as launch a new initiative aimed at creating an accessible and inclusive environment for people of all abilities.
International Day of People with Disability is held on 3 December each year to celebrate the achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in all communities.
The City’s Access and Inclusion Community Development Officer Julie Monument said it was important to raise awareness of the issues experienced by the 4.3 million Australians living with a disability.
“We can all work together to break down barriers for people living with disability and help make our community more accessible and inclusive,” Ms Monument said.
“This year we are celebrating International Day of People with Disability, in conjunction with International Volunteer Day, with a community party at The Meeting Place on Thursday 5 December from 9.30am-1pm.
“Join us for a special morning tea, inspirational talks and fun activities where you can try a mini massage, take a ride on a trishaw or enjoy music from the Walyalup Kannajil Choir.
“Our event is accessible and we encourage all people with disability, their families and carers to come along and join the fun.”
Ahead of the community event, Fremantle Library will launch a weekly ‘Quiet Hour’ to welcome people with sensory challenges, such as autism and dementia.
Every Wednesday from 11am-12pm, Quiet Hour will create a low-sensory environment, including lowering lights, turning off beeping sounds on machines, reducing the volume on phones and offering a quiet breakout space. Fremantle Library also offers patrons access to an outdoor courtyard, accessible toilet and kitchen facility, and story boards available upon request.
“Too many sensations, sounds and people can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for people on the autism spectrum, so we want to make their library experience that little bit easier,” Ms Monument said.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from local autism organisations for the initiative; in fact the artwork for our Quiet Hour poster was designed by a young girl from the Autism West Youth Group.
“Earlier in the week, Fremantle Library is holding an inclusive volunteering workshop facilitated by E-QUAL Disability Consultants on Monday 2 December from 10am-12pm.
