A photography competition showcasing the theme ‘Everyone Belongs’ and Awards highlighting local businesses that welcome and support people of all abilities, will be the focal points of this year’s International Day of People with Disability.
“International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is not only about raising awareness about issues related to disability, but most importantly, it’s about celebrating the abilities of people with disabilities and highlighting the integral role they play in our community,” said Sian Nivison, Council’s Group Leader Community and Cultural Services. “The Day provides a great opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that people with disabilities make to our daily lives and to recognise those who support people with disabilities throughout the Coffs Harbour community,” she said.
Photographers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the competition. The theme is ‘Everyone Belongs’. Entries will need to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of disability and the need for inclusion, support and acceptance. Prizes donated by Dolphin Marine Magic, the Big Banana and the Butterfly House will be awarded for primary school age and high school age entrants, plus a $200 photographic equipment gift voucher for the open category.
The competition is now open and closes on Monday, November 20, 2017. Finalist entries will be displayed in Coffs Central during December. To enter the competition and to view the terms and conditions, please go to https://form.jotform.co/72898707691879
Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee recommended that for 2017 the IDPwD Awards recognise businesses that are already working towards an inclusive community.
To find out how to nominate local businesses for the 2017 Business Awards for Disability Inclusion and Access, go to https://form.jotform.co/72908800291861. Entries close on November 20, 2017.
Both the Awards and competition winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery on December 4, 2017.
Local inspiration – and daredevil – Ben Norton will be the guest speaker at the ceremony. Ben has cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual delay, but that hasn’t stopped him from
taking on challenges too daunting for the average person to consider.
In March next year he will be climbing 17,600 feet to Base Camp on Mt Everest to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He has also previously competed in triathlons and tackled white water rapids in New Zealand.
As well as being the guest of honour, Ben is also on the judging panels for both the Awards and photography competition.
Council would like to thank Dolphin Marine Magic, the Butterfly House, the Big Banana and Coffs Central for their generous support of the IDPwD photographic competition.
Ben Norton will be IDPwD Guest Speaker
