A variety of fun activities designed to accommodate all interests were on offer at a APM Communities event showcasing the importance of International Day of People with Disability.
Sports, crafts, dancing, and drama were all part of the event which was attended by people wanting to be a part of an enjoyable community fun day.
The APM North Metro team organised the event at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre located in Mirrabooka, Perth.
APM Communities team member Paige Wilson said the event idea came about from a working group which included local people who identify as having a disability.
APM Communities helps NDIS participants and people with disability to identify and access the support they need.
APM Local Area Coordinators work directly with people with disability, carers and supporting family members.
Teams work with local businesses and community organisations, by providing tailored support to help them improve inclusion for people with disability.
Paige said a variety of stall holders attended on the day offering inclusive activities for the event attendees.
“We had multiple stall holders involved in the day all involving inclusive activities from getting to sit in a real sailboat to playing tenpin bowling and sewing your own bag to keep,” Paige said.
Stall holders included:
- Royal Perth Yacht Club
- Didier Walks
- Joondalup Entertainers Theatre School (JETS)
- Volleyball WA
- Hockey WA
- Football West
- Wanslea
- Mission Australia
- Befriend group (Boomerang Bags)
- Our Ruby Girl Food Van
- Scouts WA
- Tenpin Bowling WA
- West Coast Gymnastics
- Bowls WA.
There was also a visit from Sarah Edmiston a Paralympic Discus thrower who will be competing at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Paige said the clubs attending on the day offered accessible activities for people to participate in on a regular basis. One example is the Sailability program offered by the Royal Perth Yacht Club.
“All the clubs who attended had something for everyone to be involved in,” Paige said.
She said the team were ecstatic with the positive feedback garnered at the event and were looking forward to holding more in 2021.
APM Communities valued input from people with disability and welcomed those wanting to become involved in future events.
“It truly was a fantastic day for everyone involved and we hope to continue to hold similar events again in the future.” Paige said.
Paige urged organisations or people with disability to get in touch with APM Communities if they would like information on any of the inclusive opportunities being planned.
“APM Communities run various projects and events and anyone who would like to be involved in the future can get in touch by popping into an APM Communities Office or emailing, lac@apm.net.au,” Paige said.
As part of the NDIS Partners in the Community program, APM Communities help people with disability in several regions in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory to access support.