A week of events, workshops and performances to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) have taken place across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
The annual worldwide event, held this year on Sunday, December 3, aimed to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and raise awareness of their needs in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
This year’s theme was ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’.
Locally a number of activities were delivered through the week by cultural venues and disability lead organisations including the Millennium Forum, Lilliput, Tuned In, Destined, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust and RNIB.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, welcomed the opportunity to promote greater understanding of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.
“International Celebration of Persons with Disabilities Week aims to bring together and support people with disability in our community and promote health and wellbeing through the arts and sport,” she explained.
“Through Council’s Strategic Growth Plan and our Disability Scheme and Action Plan we have made a commitment to work to promote positive attitudes and encourage participation by disabled people in public life and across our communities by creating accessible and user-friendly environments for everyone to enjoy.
“As we could see from the smiling faces of those taking part this week, arts, culture and sport activity bring joy and a wide range of health benefits to everyone, including those with disabilities, and these events were an ideal way to celebrate that.”
Throughout the week a series of training sessions, information sessions and workshops aimed to raise awareness and highlight good practice locally.
Among the highlights were an awareness session hosted by Destined at the North West Learning Disability Centre and a showcase by the Lilliput Theatre Company at The Playhouse.
On Thursday close to 100 participants took part in Tuned In’s annual Christmas Cup with a range of activities at the indoor astro facility at Sean Dolans GAC.
For more information on the events held over the week visit: https://www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/inclusion/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-(idpwd)
Or contact: [email protected]
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