Welcome to DAD

Hello and welcome to DAD 2024, I cant believe we are saying this, our 33rd annual event.

Huge thanks to Expanse Learning Group and United Utilities, for their amazing support as our joint principal sponsors that kickstarted our planning or this year’s event. Against a backdrop of the pandemic and the current Cost of Living Crisis, we feel that the need for Disability Awareness Day and the week of complementary events is greater than ever before. It is a celebration of life, promoting independence through information, advice and guidance on mobility, wellbeing and independent living. With around 200 organisations from statutory services, businesses, social enterprises, voluntary and community sector, we know that there will be something for everyone at this years event. Sadly, the lingering effects of the pandemic are still with us, some well-known charities have been unable to regain their momentum, with many struggling to recruit volunteers, and some businesses are still struggling with inconsistent availability of stock.

This year’s big day comes at the end of a busy week with 7 fun-packed events. None of which would have been possible without the support of our partners and our sponsors. Not to mention the hard work contributed by our amazing WDP team, both on-site at Walton Hall and Gardens and back in the office at the Centre for Independent Living. In addition to a vast array of exhibitors, visitors will have lots more to choose from including a sports zone packed with have-a-go events, a performing arts marquee hosting some of the UK’s top disabled artists, two arts and crafts marquees, a silent disco, a main arena and children’s entertainments. Since we launched our first event back in 1992, DAD continues to promote a 'Can Do' culture focussing on 'what disabled people can do', which helps to dispel the myths about what disabled people cannot do.

We would like to thank everyone who shares and supports the DAD dream, and special thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters, our volunteer stewards and helpers aptly named DAD’s Army, our exhibitors and of course you, our visitors. We hope you have an enjoyable, informative and inspiring day at DAD 2024. Finally, we hope you will agree, that during the past thirty two years, we have created what has become, not only one of Warrington’s largest community events but the world’s largest voluntary-led, pan-disability event. Long may it continue... Thank you. Dave Thank you. Dave

Dave Thompson MBE DL MBA
Founder and Event Co-ordinator