International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an opportunity for the community to make positive changes to the lives of 4 million Australians.
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Next Thursday, December 3 is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a United Nations sanctioned day that celebrates progress in breaking down barriers, opening doors, and realising an inclusive society for all.
Disability organisations, businesses, governments and the community come together at events across the country to mark the occasion and celebrate the achievements of people with disability.
Yass Valley Valmar Community Access Service will be hosting an event this year and inviting other Valmar groups around NSW and the wider community to come along and help them mark the event.
Yass Carer Lyn Walker believes the day will be the biggest in the Yass centre’s history.
“It will be a farm day,” she said.
“We want everyone to dress up in farming outfits and there will be prizes for best dressed.
“We have organised heavy horses, old farm machinery and the mayor will be presenting access awards for local businesses.”
When Mrs Walker first came to work in Yass, close to 10 years ago, people's attitude towards the disabled was quite alarming.
“Some people would walk across the other side of the street to avoid us and others would openly laugh, people here weren't as readily accepting,” she explained.
“Now people are much more accepting and perceptions have changed a lot, but there is still a way to go.”
Valmar Community Access in Yass now has 16 clients on their day programs, while some live at home with families, others live in shared accommodation.
“We now have services that include grocery deliveries, Meals on Wheels, we hold a cooking program and also spend time taking part in activities in and around the local community. Each Friday we all dine out somewhere in town,” she continued.
“Next July there will be funding changes that will facilitate a new disability system.
“Valmar is growing so fast you can't keep up, Canberra now has 12 houses and they are popping up all over NSW.”
The IDPwD will be held at the Valmar house on Meehan Street, with support from the Ability Links Service and the Yass Valley Council.
“There will be games like apple bobbing, gum boot throwing, scarecrow building and colouring in competitions, as well as a barbeque lunch,” Mrs Walker said.
The community are invited to come and help Valmar mark IDPwD on Thursday, December 3 at 94 Meehan St Yass from 10.30am.
Valmar is located at the end of the laneway in between the Yass Tribune and Davis Faulkner Lawyers.