Celebrating International Day for People with Disability 2021

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3rd December each year. The day is celebrated globally, with an aim to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Each year the United Nations announces a theme for International Day of People with Disability. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of barriers for people with disability. ​This 2021 theme was ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.​

Belgravia Foundation’s innovative partner Belgravia Leisure is a strong supporter of IDPwD, acknowledging the day provides a great opportunity to promote staff awareness of disability and to spark conversations about how we can work together to build more inclusive venues.

Belgravia Leisure’s organisational commitment to celebrating the day was widespread across the nation:

  • Knox Leisureworks held a Zumba Gold Fitness Class, in addition, to their ASD Swim Night with Different Journey’s.

  • The Hewett Centre hosted a morning tea amongst a hive of various other activities.

  • Yarra Recreation Centre had an All Abilities Pool Party with attendees and their support workers offered a free smoothie.

  • WaterMarc was buzzing with free activities that included Paralympian Ahmed Kelly speaking, an All Abilities Aqua Class and a Dance Class in addition to the launch of Cérge app.

  • Many venues used this time to educate staff to increase their confidence and capacity to ensure venues are welcoming and inclusive of all.

Swan Hill Leisure Centre collaborated with Mallee Sports Assembly to coordinate ‘Let’s Dance’, a dance event with a movie theme that encouraged all to dance like no one is watching! A community engagement approach was undertaken to determine the needs, preferences and priorities of the community, in addition to consulting local disability network, Progressive Unity. The event was made possible thanks to all of its sponsors- VIVID, Intereach, Expressive Arts Group, Loddon Murray Water, Echuca Discoveries and Murray ACE.  Let’s Dance saw 75 participants attend from Echuca Discoveries- Swan Hill, VIVID, Swan Hill Specialist School and Ability & Ambition.  

Furthermore, Lakeside Leisure Centre celebrated IDPwD by hosting a Belgravia Foundation Pool Party Disco Fundraiser, with every dollar raised to be spent locally to continue the All Abilities Aqua Classes at Lakeside Leisure.  The day included two all abilities aqua aerobics classes, a dress-up photo booth followed by a sausage sizzle. Again, a collaborative approach was undertaken, connecting with Newcastle based disability group, Avenue, and Brendan from Central Cost Events, who kindly donated dress-ups and photo booth props.  

Belgravia Foundation would like to congratulate all Belgravia Leisure venues who recognised the day by hosting free activities for people with a disability and would like to emphasise the importance of promoting a welcoming, safe and equitable space for all.

Emma Lowe