Cities unite to support International Day of People with Disability

The City of Rockingham and City of Kwinana will unite to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) by co-hosting the Together We Thrive event on Thursday December 1, 2022 at the Gary Holland Community Centre from 10am - 2pm.  

IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated in December each year.

It aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability – it celebrates the contributions and achievements of people with disability while also promoting inclusive communities.

Together We Thrive will feature free capacity building workshops, market microenterprise stalls run by people with disability, interactive activities including ‘come and try blindspots’, pony rides, a silent disco and wildlife exhibition. 

The workshops include a community art project that focuses on strategies for maintaining mental health, accessible equipment that is available at the local libraries, and supports available for people with disability wishing to start a microenterprise.

A workshop targeted at support workers who assist artists with disability will also provide the necessary skills needed to help foster the creativity of their clients. 

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said supporting IDPwD and events such as Together We Thrive was a focus in the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).       

“A key action in the DAIP is focused on utilising opportunities that promote positive attitudes towards people with disability and encourage full inclusion in the community. The City hopes the theme of ‘Together We Thrive’ will focus on improving attitudes and perceptions around the capabilities of people with disability,” Mayor Hamblin said.  

“At the event the microenterprise workshops run by people with disability will showcase the immense talent our community members have and the exciting businesses they are building. 

“This free event is open to people of all ages and abilities and we thank the City of Kwinana for its support in helping to deliver this vital initiative.” 

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said International Day of People with Disability seeks to challenge the way people think about disability and encourage more inclusivity.

“A key priority in the City of Kwinana’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan commits to facilitate, support and promote a diverse range of services, events and activities that meet the needs of the community,” Mayor Adams said.

“The City of Kwinana is proud to partner with the City of Rockingham to host an event centred around the Day’s 2022 theme ‘Together We Thrive’.”