Disability Awareness Day to be held virtually this weekend

Tue 20 Oct 2020

ONE of Warrington’s most popular annual events will be held virtually this weekend.

Disability Awareness Day has now been a fixture of the town’s calendar for nearly 30 years.

And while this year’s expo at Walton Hall and Gardens was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will instead take place online this Sunday, October 25.

The DAD site has been recreated on a dedicated website on which virtual attendees can visit more than 200 individual stalls for live chats over the web on support, advice and guidance for disabled people.

A full line-up of performers is booked for the virtual version of the Arts Marquee, including former Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy.

Event founder Dave Thompson, chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “This year, more 200 virtual exhibitor stands have been booked, as well as an impressive line-up of performers in the Arts Marquee – with 2018 Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley, best known as Lost Voice Guy, heading the bill.

“Plus, more than a dozen organisations will be promoting a wide variety of inclusive sports and activities such as scuba diving, cycling, wheelchair rugby and basketball, dance, angling and Tai Chi.

“DADV2020 is dedicated to the memories of two members of the DAD team who have sadly died of coronavirus, Peter Ives and Colin Whitfield – who, together, contributed nearly 50 years of voluntary work to DAD and WDP.

“Exhibitors from across the region, the UK and as far afield as Israel and Australia will be showcasing their products and services.”

The main event will then be followed by nine free one-hour workshops over Zoom, running until October 30.

Tony Brown, managing director of principle event sponsors Expanse Learning Group, added: “We are all excited about the potential impact of DAD Virtual.

“Here at Expanse, we learn from other organisations who are delivering education and support to young disabled people and we love to share our achievements across the industry.

“DAD Virtual provides us with the platform to do both.”

The virtual Disability Awareness Day will go live at 10am on Sunday at dadvirtual.org.uk.