Official Launch

Whilst it is fantastic that there is now a team of engineering students applying their skills to design unique equipment for people with disabilities, the ultimate goal is to get this equipment into use by people with disabilities. To do this, we are launching the DisAbled Recreation Club on the 3rd of December 2006.

Why the 3rd December 2006?

In October 1992 the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring that 3 December each year will be the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The event was renamed International Day of People with a DisAbility in 1997 by Australian community representatives to place the greater emphasis on the abilities and achievements of people living with disabilities. This theme is reflected in the phrase Celebration of Ability that has been adopted as the catch phrase of the Australian campaign.

What is the Launch Vision?

As you may have guessed with the hovercrafts, ski boats and motorcycles, we don’t do things small. For our launch we are organising the biggest disability related convention ever held in Western Australia and probably in the southern hemisphere.

The theme is “Celebration of Ability”. We have booked over 5,400m2 of indoor pavilion space for demonstrations, displays, guest speakers and “have a go” events that support this theme. Invitations with be extended to all the disability related associations, clubs, departments and businesses in Western Australia ranging from sporting and recreation clubs to disability employment agencies to government department to equipment suppliers.

The event will be open to people with disabilities, their family, friends and careers as well as the general public and people who work in the industry. We are anticipating 5,000 people to attend the convention throughout course of the day.

To ensure the success of the day, we have hired the services of a professional event management company and are currently seeking financial support from the Department of Sport and Recreation, Lotterywest and corporate sponsors.

More information on the Celebration of Ability Exhibition can be found here.