Biggest and Best DAD

The Northwest Disability Awareness Day (DAD) held on Sunday 12th July has been hailed a the biggest and best in the 18 year history of this annual event.

DAD 2009 attracted over 27,000 visitors from across the region and over 280 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe - two travelling in from Spain and Cyprus. The event was the finale of a week consisting of 12 complementary events that attracted thousands of visitors including the Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw, who praised the work of the team of volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the event.

DAD is a unique event that has been developed around a pan disability exhibition and is supported by a performing arts marquee, sports area, main entertainments arena, a cinema, therapy marquee and children’s fun fair. The on-site cinema housed the “Slice of Life” film festival highlighting short films made by or staring disabled people or written on a disability theme.

Over 120 of the exhibitors were charities covering all age groups from children and young people to adults and older people, and physical, sensory and learning impairment, mental health and carers.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency is the principal sponsor of DAD 2009.
http://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk