International Day of People With a Disability
International Day of People With a Disability (IDPWD) is designated by the United Nations to celebrate the talents, skills and abilities of people with a disability. Accessible Arts coordinates an arts program on behalf of the Department of Ageing, Disability & Homecare for IDPWD. This project was initiated by Accessible Arts in 2002. It has continued to grow and extend across NSW each year and brings together arts and cultural organisations to work towards an event, project or policy that is inclusive of people with a disability. IDPWD projects are designed to increase access for people with a disability to the arts and to creative opportunities, as practitioners, participants and audience members. These projects work towards long-term and sustainable benefits for people with a disability.
Don't DIS my ABILITY Campaign 2009
In New South Wales, a month-long campaign called Don't DIS My ABILITY, celebrates IDPWD. Events are held throughout metropolitan and regional areas. Don't DIS My ABILITY is about changing misconceptions surrounding disability and creating an environment that encourages participation. Ambassadors are selected as role models to support this campaign from the arts, sports and business.
Join in and celebrate IDPWD by registering your arts event or project in the Don't DIS My ABILITY campaign. You will need to register by Monday 6 July 2009 to be included in the Don't DIS my ABILITY printed broadsheet. This full-colour program of events is distributed statewide and celebrates the achievements of people with a disability across NSW.
To register your event go to www.internationaldayofpeoplewithadisability.com.au.
Important dates for planning International Day of people with a disability arts projects
Monday May 29 Accessible Arts Grant Applications Forms Available
Monday 6 July Register your event online
Monday August 17 Deadline Accessible Arts Grant Application
Friday August 28 Notification of Grant Recipients
Monday August 31 Online Registration Deadline
Thursday 3 December International Day of People with a Disability
Small Arts Grants 2009
In 2009, high quality, sustainable projects that involve partnerships between the professional arts and disability sectors are eligible for funding, through the allocation of grants of up to $1000. Events must be registered with the Don't DIS my ABILITY Campaign 2009 through the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care website and application forms for grants are available in the related items column on this page. Detailed guidelines of how to develop an arts event for International Day of people with a disability are also available in related items. Accessible Arts small grants have been made possible with the support of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
2008 Highlights
Regional NSW Small Grant Recipient
BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Workshops & Exhibition
Cobar Arts Council Inc.Cobar Arts Council received a small grant for International Day of people with a Disability to employ a professional photographer to run digital photography workshops.
"The workshops were conducted over 3 days and we were able to take photos around the Cobar Museum and Heritage Park. This was a great place to capture some fantastic photos. My best photo is the fire truck because my dad was used to be the driver".
(Participant)There were 5 participants with a disability who attended the workshops led by Mark Ingram. Over 50 people attended the official opening of the photographic exhibition, including participants, carers, family, friends and community members.
"I learnt a lot about the angles you can use, and how a detail photo can sometimes look better than the whole scene. My family were so proud of my photos and at least 6 came to see the exhibition opening".
(Participant)This was a major event for Cobar, achieving the significant outcome of showing to the community the talents and capabilities of these photographers and in turn decreasing the stigma of disability. The Cobar Arts Council was proud to show the community that art is universal and can reach many, including those from minority groups.
The funding amount form Accessible Arts ensured that participants did not have to pay for their art skill development, while further funding and in-kind sponsorship from community partners maximised their experience. The development of these partnerships is a significant outcome that bodes well for the sustainability of the project into the future.
Metropolitan NSW Small Grant Recipient
FLAMENCO @ the Seymour Centre
Dean WatsonI have never really felt anything like this before as when I was dancing in the group. I was feeling the sudden energy inside and I thought this will be the time to show what I've got and enjoy myself.
Flamenco @ is an exceptional initiative that aims to develop and improve the ability of adolescents with Down Syndrome to listen, dance, express themselves and move.
"I feel privileged to have been able to see this wonderful group of people participating to the best of their ability, made equal partners through the way you have structured this musical experience and the medium of the dance"(Participant's parent)
In 2008 Flamenco @ received a small grant for International Day of People with a disability to provide a group of up to 12 participants a vibrant experience of Flamenco. In partnership with Downs Syndrome Association NSW and The Seymour Centre, Dean Watson led a workshop that brought evident joy to particants' and audience alike.
"Our daughter unleashed a free-spirited, passion-filled dance. She was totally absorbed in feeling the rhythm, and in the pleasure of the dance movement sustained by the beat".
(Participant's parent)Regardless of their disability, and encouraged by you and the beat of the music, each person participated in any way they were able. As a group, they supported and applauded the efforts made by each other. I was completely in awe of the gentleman in the wheelchair who danced as enthusiastically as anyone there! Participant's parent
