The idea
Disability Awareness Day is a pan disability event which promotes a can do culture focussing on what disabled people can do throughout life and work. The show has three main aims:
- To highlight what statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.
- To promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers, we want everyone to see the best and/or latest designs
- To provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do, in the field of Sport, Arts and Entertainment.
This is the first time this event has come to London and is a great opportunity to provide a fun, accessible and entertaining day out for people with and without disabilities.
We will have live music, accessible sporting activities, arts and crafts, information, bouncy castles, DJs, food and drink from around the world and so much more.
What we'll deliver
- Live music showcasing the abilities of local artists, schools and colleges
- Food and drink from around the world with alfresco dining for all
- Activities for all, young and old
- Information stalls showing what is available to help people with disabilities live independently
- Vibrant outdoor market selling gifts and treats for all the family
Why it's a great idea
The Disability Awareness Day (DAD) Festival is a unique event, making festival activities accessible to everyone with or without a disability. This is the first festival of its kind in London and will put us on the map with other DAD celebrations happening around the world in July.
For the last 10 years, we have celebrated the achievements and raised awareness of people with Learning Disabilities in Redbridge. This year we are making the event bigger and better, open to people with all disabilities and lived experience of mental ill health.
Previous festivals have been very successful, attracting over 600 people with positive feedback from those attending. This year we hope to attract over 1000 people, bringing communities together and promoting the achievements of people whose voices are seldom heard.
The festival is co-produced in partnership with the London Borough of Redbridge, the voluntary sector and people with disabilities. It is unique, it is fun and it is free for all.
Steps to get it done
- Seek funding for the festival
- Invite organisations to exhibit, sponsor and/ or run displays
- Organise facilities for festival e.g. food, drink, stage etc
- Contact schools, colleges, voluntary organisations and others for music performances
- Produce marketing and promotional materials
- Finalise details for the festival
- DAD festival
- Post festival review
