For The Disability Trust, December 3, International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an important day for awareness, understanding, recognition and acceptance.
This year we embraced the theme “Seeing the Ability in Disability” and encouraged everyone to share with us their stories and messages of an ability that they were are proud of.
We were very excited to see everyone’s submissions come in and are hoping that by sharing these stories online that we might help to break down the stereotypes associated with disability.
“Seeing the ability in disability is a way of thinking for us at The Disability Trust,” Matthew Martin, Executive Manager explains. “Our staff always focus on supporting each person we work with to do what they love and to build on their individual interests and abilities.
“It’s about being very focused on supporting people to participate in activities and work that provide them with a sense of purpose where they can develop valued roles and strong connections in their local community.”
The Disability Trust also again partnered with local coffee shops and coffee vans to send a really important message to the community – “What can you do to help create an inclusive world?”
Simple ideas include:
- Make a connection through respectful communication – saying “Hi” is a great start
- See the person – focus on the person not their disability
- There’s no need to feel sorry – empathise but don’t sympathise
- Hire a person with a disability – they are ambitious and want to work
- Support your local organisation who is supporting people with disability in your community
Coffee shops across The Disability Trust footprint proudly displayed posters to encourage the community to stay connected on Facebook and to learn more about the achievements of people with disabilities.
The Disability Trust were able to hold COVIDsafe celebrations in all their locations:
- Morning and afternoon teas in the Illawarra
- Celebration Disco and Pizza night in Goulburn
- Activities in Speers Point Park for the Hunter
- A BBQ in Mittagong
- Pool Party and Expo in Nowra
- iDay in the ACT with performances, activities, craft and a fantastic football match between the Score Raiders and Score Dragons.
- The Bega Valley Disability Trust & WorkAbility Annual Awards
It was wonderful to be out and about with our participants to celebrate them and their abilities and we look forward to seeing this event continue to grow.
