Hosting an event

The success of Disability Action Week is dependent on you getting involved!

Whether your activity is big or small, think - how can I get my friends, neighbourhood, community involved?

Here are some ideas about ways to celebrate Disability Action Week in your community.

• A tribute event to mark the contribution and achievements of people with a disability in your community – and their volunteer supporters. Perhaps include expressions of thanks to those in your business community who support through employment opportunities or particular services that are 'disability friendly'.
• An art display, photographic exhibition, sporting match or musical concert highlighting the abilities of people with a disability.
• An open house at your community health centre or facility with displays and information sessions about the services provided.
• A display at your local library of community groups and services supporting people with a disability.
• Get local schools involved with a poster or essay competition based around the theme. Ask a local identity to present the prize.
• Sausage sizzles are always popular. Have one at your local shopping centre. Display a Disability Action Week banner and have an information stand.
• Call your local radio station during talkback and introduce the topic of disability access and inclusion, as it relates to you. It's bound to get others talking!
• Similarly write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, putting your perspective on a disability access issue and tying it in with Disability Action Week.
• Approach local clubs and service associations (such as Lions, Rotary, Scouts, Guides, Queensland Country Women's Association) to incorporate a discussion on disability awareness into their regular meetings held during the week.
• Launch a new service, resource or initiative in your community during Disability Action Week.
• Make a friendship quilt. Get a sewing circle to make a quilt themed on disability awareness.
• Organise a wheel-a-thon, and any wheels are okay, whether it's riding a bike, pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair.
• Host a public forum discussing a disability access issue of particular relevance to your community.
• Hold a Disability Action Week breakfast with a guest speaker talking about the importance of inclusion and access.
• Does Disability Action Week fall when your local church or school has a fete? Take a stall or get on its activity program.
• Cinema under the stars in your park, with an appropriately themed choice of movie. Your local council may be able to help organise.
• At the end of the week, host a supporters dinner, recognising all those who helped make for a barrier-free community. Present certificates of appreciation.

Getting organised

Holding an event takes time and organisation. The following tips will help you to get organised.

• Don't try and do it alone! Form an organising committee and work through the roles and responsibilities.
• Think through what you want to get out of the event. What sort of audience are you seeking? This may affect the time and day. How many? How will this be achieved?
• Draw up an activity brief, complete with work plan and deadlines.
• Know clearly who needs to do what, by when.
• Cost your activity and include:
  • guest speaker's fee
  • venue hire
  • equipment hire
  • catering
  • wages
  • stationery telephone
  • postage
  • security
  • promotions
  • insurance
  • sundries.

• Ask yourself how are you going to pay for this activity? Do you need funding? Can you approach your local council? Could you seek sponsorship from local businesses?
• Do you need a permit for your event? Your local council can tell you if a permit is needed for your activity. 
• Do you need permission to use materials? 
• Do a site inspection. Is it accessible to older people and people with a disability?
• Will you need to engage a sign language interpreter?
• Develop a risk management plan. This involves identifying and evaluating potential problems, and putting measures in place to minimise their occurrence.
• Look at financial issues, health and safety, and legal issues. Include a contingency plan. What if: it rains, or people don’t turn up, or funding doesn’t come through or you have a last minute cancellation of your special guest. How will you deal with this?
• Organise a photographer. Don’t rely on happy snaps! Good photographs can be used in media and promotions, future displays and funding submissions.
• Prepare material for media.