Event founder and co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL said; “We are very pleased to announce that disability education specialists Expanse Learning Group and the North West’s water supplier United Utilities, are leading our list of sponsors for DAD 2023”.
The aim of this year’s event is to promote independent living through the theme “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”. DAD 2023 exhibitors will highlight solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, training, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.
Most of this year’s exhibitors will be housed in a huge tented village of marquees that will be supported by; an extended Sports Zone, a Centre Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee, two further Arts Marquees for art and crafts, featuring Goofus Theatre, a Silent Disco, a children’s fun fair and play areas. Entertainment will also be available adjacent to the entrance bridge and Heritage Yard.
On the day, visitors can gain an insight into the help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally from statutory organisations, businesses and voluntary sector groups.
They can “have a go” at sports activities including Tennis, Cricket, American Football, Snooker, Rugby League, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, PowerChair Football, CrossFit and Scuba Diving in the on-site pool. In addition, Warrington Youth Zone’s giant sports inflatables.
For those looking for those looking for a more relaxed day we will have a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists including Ella Together, Carly Ryan, Creating Adventures, BSL Choir, Stars Drama, Wolf Print Dance and Groovy Movers. Supported by Rock Choir, Warrington Male Voice Choir, Signature Brass, Chester Ladies Choir and Wired for Sound. BSL interpreters will support all acts.
Alternatively, sit alongside the Main Arena watching Guide Dog display team, Reach Sled Dogs Display Team, Batida Rio Samba Band, Royal Marines Corps of Drums and sports demonstrations.
Children can visit the funfair rides or accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.
DAD 2023 will be the finale of a week of complimentary events that includes Disability Confident Employers Workshop, Creating Adventures “One Time Only” variety show, Merseycare NHS Trust “Ignite Your Life”, Ella Together “Summertime Special”, United Utilities “Customer Vulnerability Summit”, Warrington Carers Hub “Wellbeing Festival”, “Party in the Park” for disabled young people and young carers. The finale of the week will see the UK’s top tribute band “Bjorn to be Abba”. For more details of these events, please contact the DAD Admin team on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk
Support services at DAD 2023 will include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a free scooter and wheelchair loan service with trained enablers, British Sign Language interpreters, additional unisex wheelchair accessible toilets and over 100 trained stewards and helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.
DAD continues to capture the imaginations of organisations around the UK and worldwide with events planned in Cameroon, India, Uganda, Abu Dhabi and more. It is no wonder that DAD continues to be recognised as the world’s largest voluntary led pan disability independent living exhibition and family fun day covering physical, sensory and learning disabilities and mental health, and all ages.
Dave recalls the day it all started from a brief conversation with the rangers at Walton Gardens back in 1992; he said “Nobody would have expected the event to still be running nearly 32 years later, and that it would have grown to be recognised not just locally, but now internationally. It is testament to all of the team involved who are aptly named DAD’s Army”.
For any enquiries, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064, or contact me directly as below.
Kind Regards
Dave Thompson MBE DL
Dave Thompson MBE DL
Chief Executive
Tel 01925 240064