Cumberland City Council is marking International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) held globally on 3 December, by hosting a Festival of Ability on Friday 2 December.
International Day of People with Disabilities is a United Nations (UN) observed day, aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding, accepting people with disability, and celebrating their achievements and contributions.
This special day of significance has been in place since 1992 when the General Assembly declared 3 December as the International Day of the Disabled Person.
Each year, the UN appoints a theme to observe on the day and this year the theme is "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world."
Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake said that the Festival is a wonderful opportunity for people with a disability to participate in and celebrate their abilities.
"Council's Festival of Ability showcases the potential for greater access and inclusion to social and community participation for people with disability." she said.
"This is a time to make positive changes to the lives of the 4.4 million Australians with a disability."
"Cumberland Council has a proud history of providing ongoing quality services and programs to people affected by a disability and is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Provider."
"This active role is so important as it helps inform Council's planning for providing services and building an inclusive community where people with a disability are able to fully participate." she said.
The Festival, held at the Granville Centre, will feature a variety of modified and inclusive activities suitably adapted to encourage participation and highlight ability. Some of the activities will include Zumba dance sessions, art & craft workshops presented by Smithfield Bunnings, goal ball presented by Goal Ball NSW, plus free access to the "OUT OF ORDER" exhibition at the Granville Centre Art Gallery.
The Festival will be followed by a Celebration Disco held on Saturday 3 December at the Holroyd Function Centre in Merrylands.
For the full program or more information visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/celebration-events
