International Day of Disabled People 2010 (IDDP) review.

It's 'snow' trouble for disabled people.

Disabled crowds brave treacherous roads.

Over 100 disabled people battled through snow and ice to celebrate IDDP 2011. CIIIL and the Disability Equality Forum, organisers of the event, were worried that months of planning and work would go to waste because of some of the worst weather the UK had experienced since records began. The Barking and Dagenham Council snow clearing team rushed to the event on the day following an SOS from the organisers to make the final part of the journey safe for the revellers. It was a race against time to clear the snow and ice before the first people arrived but they managed with just minutes to spare.

The show must go on.

Happily most of the entertainers and guest speakers were able to get to the event at Dagenham and Redbridge Footbal Club. Our celebration began with an amazing performance by 14 year old singer 'Mizz Camara'. Barking and Dagenham's Mayor, Councillor Nirmal Singh Gill made the opening speech. Our theme was Travel, Transport and Tourism and there were a number of stands and presentations reflecting this theme including the Docklands Canal Boat Trust, DABD(UK) Travel Training, Ab Phab, PACT, Valence House Museum, DisabledGo and Direct Enquiries. Despite a five hour journey through snow drifts, the team from Quest88 arrived with a number of accessible bicycles and gave people an opportunity to have a ride on the bikes. For some people this was their first ever opportunity to ride a bicycle independently.

Balloon race.

The Mayor also led the balloon launch and one balloon was found in Switzerland 450 miles away the following day. There was great feedback received from attendees including how the day "seemed to cater for everyones needs", with "plenty of information" and "it was good to see so many opportunities that are available for disabled people". One person noted that "the celebration was perfect but employment for disabled people was not mentioned". This could be one of the themes for next year and if you would like to be part of the steering group for IDDP 2011 please contact Jonathan Morris the CIIIL Equality Officer.

Award winners.

The Michael Brooks Award was won by Geoff Thomas who was nominated by a number of people for his work in raising money for a much needed night club for people with learning difficulties. The award was presented by Michael's sister, Gerry. Neal Crowley was also presented with a cycling award - Bikeability National Standard level 1 and 2.

Say cheese.

There was a great variety of entries for the IDDP photography competition which included photographs of many of the accessible venues and transport providers in the borough. With much work planned to improve equality of opportunity for disabled people in Barking and Dagenham, we hope you can attend IDDP 2011 to celebrate our successes with no snow shoes needed. The photos on the bottom right are the two winning entries and both winners were photographers who are members of Parents of Autistic Children Together - P.A.C.T.