Passionate disability advocate Kathryn Lyons is a person who thinks outside the box.
She will share her story with the community as Logan City Council celebrates the United Nations International Day of People with Disability.
Council will recognise the day across Logan between November 26 and December 9.
Cr Steve Swenson said it was important that everyone in the community strived for inclusion each day for the nearly 10,000 residents with disability and the 27,000 unpaid carers of people with disability.
“Together, we can start a conversation about the issues experienced by people with disability to help to make our community more inclusive,” Cr Swenson said.
The theme for International Day of People with Disability is empowering people with disability and ensuring inclusiveness and equality, which is reflected in the city-wide initiatives council will deliver over two weeks of celebrations.
Logan Libraries will host activities, events and classes, including a “thinking outside the box” presentation by Ms Lyons, who is an award-winning advocate who seeks to create a better understanding of why change is needed to build inclusive communities.
“Ms Lyons will be sharing her story from 10am on December 1 at Logan North Library and we encourage everyone to come along,” Cr Swenson said.
A Deaf Services Queensland Auslan interpreter will work alongside Ms Lyons.
Cr Swenson said council would hold a number of other events in the city’s libraries to mark International Day of People with Disability.
These would include:
# Learn Auslan sign language – from 11.30am on December 3 at Logan West Library
# Central celebrations – a special performance by Sing to the Beat Aphasia Choir and morning tea from 10am on December 4
# Helping children with sensory issues adjust to learning environments – paediatric occupational therapist and creator of Ricardo Reading Mouse educational resources Melissa Savonoff will discuss general sensory processing intervention strategies from 6pm to 7.30pm on December 6 at Logan North Library.
Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting your local library or online at http://loglib.org/idpd
The council also will take part in AccessAbility Day as a part of celebrations, hosting 12 people with disability across 11 branches for a one-day job shadowing opportunity during the last week of the month.
AccessAbility Day is a federal government plan that enables local employers to connect with job seekers with disability.
Cr Swenson urged Logan employers to get involved.
More information is available online at jobaccess.gov.au/people-with- disability/accessabilityday
Council also has launched the public consultation for its second disability action plan, the Access and Inclusion Plan 2019 – 2022 and invites residents to comment before midnight this Sunday (November 25) at logan.qld.gov.au/haveyoursay
“This plan builds on council’s achievements and investigate new opportunities to increase equitable access and inclusivity across council services, facilities, activities and programs,” Cr Swenson said.
To learn more about other ways you can get involved and celebrate International Day of People with Disability go to idpwd.com.au
More information about council’s events and activities is available by calling 3412 3412 or visiting logan.qld.gov.au/accessibility.