Derry City and Strabane District Council have launched a comprehensive programme of events to mark the seventh annual Disability Awareness Week.
The programme of face to face and online activities takes place from Saturday 3rd to Friday December 9th and includes International Day of People with Disabilities.
The initiative is funded in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and aims to showcase disability arts.
It includes visual art and animation, discussions and lunchtime talks, performances, interactive activities, training and showcases.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, encouraged the public to access the programme and get involved in the events.
“Disabilities Week aims to bring together and support people with disability in our community and promote health and wellbeing through the arts,” she said.
“The programme of events aims to raise awareness of the importance of creating the conditions where people with disabilities experience equal opportunity and face no barriers to participation in any element of their lives.
“Council, through our commitments set out in our Strategic Growth Plan and our Arts and Culture Strategy is committed to working to promote positive attitudes and to encourage participation by disabled people in public life and across our communities by creating accessible and user friendly environments for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the highlights of this week’s programme are a Creative Christmas Showcase by the Northwest Spectrum Group, a performance of The Great Dictator by Stage Beyond on the steps of the Guildhall and CirAbility by In Your Space.
The Millennium Forum will host a Mental Health and Wellbeing programme while the Tuned In album will be launched at the Nerve Centre.
Organisations hosting information sessions include Headway, Guide Dog NI and Disability Action.
For further information on the Disability Awareness Week programme visit: derrystrabane.com/inclusion or e mail inclusion.culture@derrystrabane.com.
