Disability Action Week has important message

Disability Action Week was celebrated in the Southern Downs last week with Sport and Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves opening the Disability Action Week Fun Day at Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre (WIRAC) on Thursday.
The Minister, along with Southern Downs Regional Mayor Ron Bellingham, participated in a musical workshop where local group, Pangea Music, taught them how to play percussion.
Then there was line dancing and Zumba classes, a sausage sizzle cooked by the local Lions Club, and a wheelchair dancing demonstration.
Cr Bellingham said that, along with the festivities, the week carried an important message.
“This is all about focusing on what people of all abilities are able to do, not what they can’t do,” he said.
“It’s about changing public perceptions and encouraging social interaction and integration with the whole community.”
Mr Reeves agreed with Cr Bellingham’s point of view.
“Disability Action Week reminds us to focus on a person’s abilities, aspirations and the contribution of people with a disability in every aspect of community, social and economic life,” he said.
“The week aims to encourage positive attitudes towards people with a disability, improve access and make our community a better place for everyone.”
Another Disability Action Week activity, the Shimmy Shimmy Shake and Sing, was held on Friday night at St Mary’s Hall.