Orange City Council is celebrating International Day of People with Disability on Friday, 2 December, from 11am to 1pm in the South Court Byng Street and is inviting the community to attend an inclusive event aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
The overall theme this year is: Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell said the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness around people with disability and how to be supportive as a community.
“We are highlighting what Orange has to offer in the form of support and activities for people with disabilities,” Cr McDonell said.
“Breaking down barriers and stereotypes are important steps to being more inclusive and I invite the community to join in and be involved.”
Each year, events like this are an opportunity to start a conversation about disability and encourage an inclusive attitude from the community.
Council has engaged an external educator Aidacare, to provide an ‘access experience’ for Council staff and Councillors. During a 30 minute activity, staff and Councillors will complete a short course while using one of the mobility aids.
Participants will then be asked to complete a very short survey on their experience. This real-life disability experience aims to identify barriers and alternative accessible options for people with disability.
“Challenging stereotypes around people with disability needs to go beyond the International Day of People with Disability,” Cr McDonell said
“I encourage everyone to engage in this event and find a way to take concrete action.”
“We need to talk honestly about barriers in society that people with disability face every day, who are entitled to the same respect, independence, and choice as others.”
The following services will have an information stall during the event:
- Orange City Council
- Mission Australia
- NDSP Plan Managers
- Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions
- Wambinya Buwanha
- Asuria and LikeMind
- The Personnel Group
- OCTEC Disability Employment Services
- SpiritAbility
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance
- Anglicare
- Wangarang
- LiveBetter
- Social Futures
- Housing Plus Domestic Violence Services
- Disability Advocacy NSW
- Carer Gateway
- Aidacare
There will also be other fun activities and a free barbecue with refreshments.
