Welcome to DAD 2008

Hello and welcome to DAD 2010 our nineteenth annual event. I’m very pleased to say that our aim today hasn’t changed a great deal from our first DAD back in 1992, which is to create an event that brings people together, no matter what or the level of their disability, with a common aim to highlight what is available under the umbrella of independent living. DAD continues to provide a platform for small, family run support groups, businesses and public sector organisations together promoting their services directly to disabled people, carers, their families and other interested people.

Back in March we were pleased to receive confirmation that our friends at the Northwest Regional Development Agency agreed to be the principal sponsor for this year’s event, in parallel with their support of our nationally acclaimed Positive Action Awards which will be presented later this year.

Each year I find myself paying tribute to friends of DAD who have sadly died during the year. This year it’s with great sadness that I mention two people, Annette Clemo; originally one of our Trustees and a huge contributor to the success of DAD and Warrington Disability Partnership and Keith Harrison owner of The Shop on Chester Road and a keen DAD supporter. Our thoughts go out to their families.

This year’s International links have been maintained as we have continued to receive enquires from across the world including Australia, South Africa, Portugal and we welcomed an official civic party from Nachod in the Czech Republic to last week’s launch event held in the Golden Square. Closer to home we also welcome our partners and my colleagues from the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who are joining us at the DAD Reception to promote their Sticks and Stones Stamp Out Stigma campaign.

Finally, I hope you have an informative and enjoyable day with us here at Walton Gardens. I would like to thank everybody who has helped to make DAD a reality. Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters, our teams, our families, our exhibitors and most of all you for your interest. Thank You: Dave Thompson MBE DL

Thank You

Dave Thompson MBE DL