It was International Disability Day on December 3 – a day which we should all acknowledge and embrace.
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It’s theme was ‘Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all’ with the intention to encourage people with disabilities to be recognised as active contributors in society.
It’s an important message to be delivered considering one in five people in Australia live with a disability according to the latest data from the Bureau of Statistics.
Clearly the need to stop, consider and recognise those people living with a disability is essential and this is an important day on the calendar.
However, it is equally important to recognise and support people with disablities, as a priority, year-round.
In Australia this special day of recognition promoted the themed concept Ability Walk.
It’s intention was to bring people with all abilities together to celebrate and promote respect for people with disabilities.
The Southern Highlands embraced this concept with an Ability Walk at Lake Alexandra on December 1.
More than 50 people turned up to the Mittagong location to take part in the day’s activities and they were blessed with great weather, a beautiful setting and an inspiring day of unity.
A range of activities including walks around the lake, a selfie station, a decorated wheel chair competition, food including a sausage sizzle and more were all-inclusive.
In fact, it was the perfect promotion for inclusiveness and an example of what should be embraced in everyday life.
Meanwhile, a morning tea at Challenge Southern Highlands located at Welby Garden Centre on December 1 further paid tribute to people of the Highlands living with a disability.
Gloria Gilroy from Challenge Southern Highlands described International Disability Day “as not a day to segregate people with disabilities, but a day to celebrate them.”
She said they “contribute to the community and enhanced everything in our lives, making the world a nicer place.”
The Highlands approach to International Disability Day delivered a strong message of inclusiveness and the extensive abilities of those people living with disabilities.
Furthermore, it showcased the many wonderful people and groups within the Highlands that have developed that strong sense of support and celebration of diversity.
Well done to everyone involved.
