Coming up on Friday, 3 December 2021 is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This is a United Nations observed day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
To promote inclusion and celebrate the contributions of people with disability, there are plenty of community events being held across Western Australia over the weekend. These events are a great opportunity to connect and start conversations on how we as a community can make the world more accessible for people with disability.
We’ve put together a list of free family-friendly events that we think our members will love! Check them out here.
1. West Coast Eagles Community Event
Eagles fans, this one is for you! The West Coast Eagles are hosting a free afternoon of interactive sporting and football activities suited for all abilities.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Location: Mineral Resource Park
Places are extremely limited, click here to register.
2. Reconnect Community Celebration
Hosted by Valued Lives, this event is all about the celebrating achievements of people with disability. You’ll hear from local Microenterprise owners, story tellers and performers with disability across three venues – Belmont Forum, Belmont Hub Plaza and Ruth Faulkner Library.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy free face painting, roving children’s entertainment, dance performances, storytelling sessions and community art projects.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: From 10am
Location: Starts at Belmont Forum
No need to register for tickets, click here to find out more.
The Disabled Surfers Association WA Perth is inviting people with disability and their families along to a fun day at the beach!
This is an opportunity for everyone to try out surfing in a supported environment, followed by a sausage sizzle.
Date: Saturday, 4 December 2021
Time: 8.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Leighton Beach, Fremantle
4. Autism Association of Western Australia Pop-up Event
To provide a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with autism, the Autism Association of Western Australia is hosting a pop-up event at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Attendees can take part in an interactive quiz busting myths about autism and learn more about the sensory differences that people with autism experience. You can also try out different sensory equipment and art activities.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: WA Museum Boola Bardip
You can drop by to see this exhibit anytime if you have a ticket to enter the museum. Click here to find out more.
The City of Cockburn is putting on a sports carnival featuring games and recreational activities for people with disability.
Come along and join in on a range of sports including wheelchair tennis, blind AFL, goal ball, and all abilities basketball, netball, volleyball and soccer.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 9am to 3pm
Location: Cockburn ARC
6. Sense and Sensitivity: Neurodiversity + Creativity Exhibition
This Curtin University art exhibition highlights the incredible work of two neurodiverse artists, Perth-based landscape photographer Simon Phillips and Singapore-based musician and performance artist Dawn-Joy Leong.
On IDPwD, you’re invited to attend a morning tea discussing the importance of access inclusion in the arts, followed by an opportunity to view the exhibition.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 10am to 11am
Location: John Curtin Gallery, Curtin University
It’s time to bust a move! The City of South Perth is hosting a ‘come and try’ all abilities dance night. Get involved and watch demonstrations from dancers who have a disability, and even try out ‘para-dance’ with the provided sports wheelchairs.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: South Perth Community Hall
Join the MTI Golf Academy for an inclusive ‘come and try’ day where your child can learn how to play golf and make some new friends amongst the fresh air and beautiful surroundings of the Vines Resort and Country Club.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 9.30am to 10.30am
Location: Vines Resort and Country Club, Verdelho Drive, The Vines
To register, please contact Mark Tibbles via mtigolfacademy@gmail.com.
9. Uniting WA Art Therapy Event
Let your creativity flow with this afternoon of art therapy and wellness hosted by Uniting WA. The activities include art demonstrations, art therapy, sound healing, reiki and yoga.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 12pm to 3pm
Location: Stirling Community Centre
Register for this event by emailing events@unitingwa.org.au with your contact details and dietary requirements.
Join the City of Armadale for an inclusive family event. Come along and enjoy the sensory room, photo booth, bouncy castle, face painting, live music, food, and more! Plus, there will be a range of ‘come and try’ activities hosted by community clubs who offer inclusive programs.
Date: Friday, 3 December 2021
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Location: Fyre Park Pavilion
11. Geraldton Toy Library Play Date
You’re invited to the Geraldton Toy Library to enjoy their range of inclusive and accessible toys, including their play doctor’s corner, water play, and sensory spaghetti trays. This is a fun way to celebrate diversity through play-based learning.
Date: Friday, 03 December 2021
Time: 9.30am to 11am
Location: Geraldton Toy Library
Cost: Free
How will you be celebrating International Day of People with Disability? Let us know by tagging @kalparrinwa in your Instagram posts, or sharing your experience on our Peer Support Network, Kalparrin Families.
