We're bringing up to 200 local Disabled people together to celebrate International Day of Disabled People in Hammersmith and Fulham with an evening event of fun and live performances.
At the moment there's much to worry about as a supporter of older and Disabled people's rights. Rather than hide away from it, it's so important that we bring people together to celebrate - our recent achievements, our history and our contribution to society, culture and human rights.
Very few events are fully accessible to us as Disabled people. We want people to just roll up and know they'll be able to enjoy it, without thinking about access.
To make this event happen 4 main elements need funding:
1. Venue - a large accessible events venue
2. Access and Interpretation - BSL interpreters, speech-to-text typist, sighted guides and personal assistants, mobile loop system
3. Refreshments - light food and soft drinks
4. Event management - experienced event coordinator
What we'll deliver:
- Celebration event on December 3rd for 200 people
- Fully accessible event for all older and Disabled residents
- Highly skilled access professionals inc. BSL interpreters and speech-to-text typist
- Entertainment by professionals and local Disabled performers
- Refreshments
Why it's a great idea:
This event is about bring local older and Disabled people together in a feelgood atmosphere.
We want people to realise what amazing things we have achieved while also recognising many of us still struggle against the barriers put in our way - low incomes, abuse and hate crime, lack of support, inaccessible buildings and transport, and poor awareness about us and our lives.
We want local older and Disabled people to go home afterwards feeling part of a bigger community. Feeling appreciated and valued. Feeling more confident in themselves. And being more likely to get involved to support their local organisations.
Steps to get it done:
- Engage event Coordinator
- Book venue
- Complete risk assessment
- Book access professionals
- Book speakers / compere
- Open event booking and start promotion
- Book local performers
- Organise equipment and decoration for event
- Prepare detailed running order
- prepare all materials for event - attendees details for event including access needs and food requirements
- Set up venue on the day and coordinate access professionals, venue staff and other helpers
- Deliver event
Our achievements locally are truly pioneering. Through many years of campaigning, we have made great change happen to improve Disabled people’s lives in Hammersmith and Fulham. In 2014 the council abolished home care charges, saving older and Disabled people money, and in 2016 set up the Disabled People’s Commission whose recommendations are now revolutionising the way the council works. These are nationally significant - no other council has done this.
There is much more to do but we want to pause to celebrate what we have achieved so far!
Steps to get it done:
• Find and book suitable accessible venue
• Secure experienced event coordinator
• Produce event plan including safety
• Promote the event to older and Disabled borough residents
• Coordinate volunteering across the three organisations
• Organise event booking process
• Book access professionals and entertainers
• Set up the venue and brief staff and volunteers on the day
