The City of Sydney is celebrating International Day of People with Disability with a range of inclusive and fun events.
The City has teamed up with Musica Viva, the Deaf Society and Vision Australia to present an all-abilities event at Customs House on Sunday 3 December.
The City will continue to celebrate throughout November and December with a number of inclusive programs and events at its community centres, from chair yoga and meditation to sewing lessons and exercise classes.
“People of all ages and abilities will be delighted by the sensory experiences, from pre-school Auslan storytelling to tactile, interactive music experiences,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“We’re committed to making Sydney a truly inclusive city for all, by removing any barriers faced by people with disability.
“We’re creating a city that is easy to get around and providing opportunities for people with disability to participate in our vibrant social and cultural life.”
International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated globally. The day increases public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
International Day of People with Disability When: 11.30am–3.30pm Where: Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney
11.30am–12.30pm: Auslan storytime Library staff and Auslan presenters are teaming up to deliver storytime session in English and Auslan for pre-school aged children and their families.
1.30pm–2pm: Feelix storytime Children with vision impairment and sighted children can all experience a special, sensory storytime. Staff from Vision Australia’s Feelix Library will bring stories to life through braille, tactile books, objects and craft.
2.30–3.30pm: All ages, all abilities music workshop Everyone can explore music in this fun and inclusive workshop. Suitable for all ages and led by Musica Viva ensemble The World According to James, this session combines performance with tactile, interactive experiences. By playing percussion instruments, feeling vibratory sensations, singing and using body percussion, everyone can enjoy making music. The workshop will be Auslan interpreted.
All sessions are free to attend but places are limited and bookings are encouraged.
Regular inclusive events and programs:
Chair yoga and meditation When: 11.15am–12pm, Mondays Where: Harry Jensen Centre, 17 Argyle Street, Millers Point What: Chair yoga is a gentle way to improve strength, flexibility and mindfulness. A highly qualified and experienced teacher will guide you through seated yoga sessions, meditation and breathing techniques. The class is suitable for all ages and levels of physical ability, including those with limited mobility and balance. Cost: Free. Bookings encouraged.
Conversations and art When: 10am–12pm, Tuesdays Where: Juanita Nielsen Community Centre, 82 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo What: Explore your creativity and meet some new friends at an informal drop in art session. All art supplies provided so you can work on your own projects. Cost: Free. Bookings encouraged.
Life internet skills When: 10am–12pm, Tuesdays (from 8 November to 12 December) Where: Redfern Community Centre, 29–53 Hugo Street, Redfern What: Learn how to use the internet for important tasks. You will learn how to search for information, pay bills, book tickets, shop, bank and use social media to connect with family and friends. Basic mouse and keyboard skills are necessary for this class. Cost: Free
Sit to Fit: Gentle exercise When: 12.45pm–2pm, Wednesdays Where: Ron Williams Community Centre, 5–11 Kepos Street, Redfern What: Improve your flexibility, strength and fitness level in a gentle exercise class. The program is specifically designed to suit older people and people with mobility and balance issues. Run by a qualified teacher, the small group class is sensitive to your needs and level of physical ability. The class is inclusive of people with disability. Afternoon tea and community transport is provided. Cost: $2
Sit to Fit: St Helens When: 9am–10am and 10.15am–11.15am, Thursdays Where: St Helens Community Centre, 184 Glebe Point Road, Glebe What: Designed to improve your strength, fitness, flexibility and balance, the Sit to Fit exercise class includes a warm-up, aerobics, strength exercises using resistance equipment and a cool-down with stretching and relaxation. Cost: Contact event organiser on 8580 0629
Sewing workshops at Millers Point When: 1pm–4pm, Wednesday 29 November and Wednesday 13 December Where: Harry Jensen Centre, 17 Argyle Street, Millers Point What: Learn how to sew and meet like-minded people at these monthly sewing workshops. An experienced fashion designer will teach you the basics of sewing, help you sew your very own cushion cover and mend your own clothes. Cost: $5 per person, including all materials
Scrabble at Pyrmont When: 1pm–3pm, every Monday throughout November and December Where: Pyrmont Community Centre, corner John and Mount streets, Pyrmont What: Enjoy a game of scrabble at Pyrmont Community Centre. Players meet every week for this all-time favourite game. Cost: Free
For more information or to book tickets visit whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/international-day-of-people-with-disability
For media inquiries or images, contact Senior Media Advisor Angela Salt. Phone 0455 958 503 or email asalt@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 02 8974 4165 or email media@clovermoore.com.au