International Day of People with Disability
To celebrate International Day of People with Disability 2024, Surf Coast Shire Council is hosting a range of special events and campaigns.
If you have any access or support needs to participate fully in these events, please let us know by contacting the Access and Inclusion Officer: online or phone (03) 5261 0600.
Inclusive Story Time at Torquay Library: 5 December
Torquay Library will host an inclusive event to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, featuring Deaf author and role model Renee d'Offay and an Auslan interpreter.
Toddler Story Time
- Thursday 5 December, 10.30-11.00am
- Torquay Library, Surf City Plaza, Beach Road
Accessibility at Torquay Library
- Accessible carparks x3
- Accessible toilet
- Automatic sliding door
- Ramp access to upstairs story time area
- Small tent for children with sensory needs
- Recharge points for mobility aids
- Social story(PDF, 5MB) about visiting the library
Event accessibility
- Noise cancelling headphones will be available for hire free of charge
- Portable hearing loop will be available, please contact the Access and Inclusion Officer to book: (03) 5261 0600, or Lodge a request online.
About guest reader Renee d'Offay
Renee D'Offay is an author, mother, qualified Teacher of the Deaf and LOTE Auslan teacher.
Renee is an inspiring Deaf role model who has touched the hearts of many through her challenging experiences.
She grew up with her family in the small Victorian coastal town of Breamlea.
Renee was born and lived with natural hearing for 19 years before she contracted meningococcal meningitis in 2002, which left her profoundly deaf.
This life-changing experience encouraged Renee to have a new outlook on life, and started her on a journey for which she could never be prepared.
Lynda Dingley 'Harmonious Storm' exhibition at Anglesea Art Space: 21 Nov - 8 Dec
Lynda Dingley, an artist with lived experience of disability, will be showing works as part of her exhibition titled ‘Harmonious Storm’.
Location: Anglesea Art Space, 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea VIC
Exhibition dates: 21 November – 8 December 2024, Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Opening launch: Saturday 30 November 3.30 - 5.30pm
Accessibility at Anglesea Art Space
- Accessible entrance
- Specific car parks will be reserved for people with disability (no permanent accessible carparks)
- There is no accessible bathroom at Anglesea Art Space. However there is an accessible public bathroom across the road on Anglesea River Bank, view a map of Anglesea Bridge Public Toilet.
Event accessibility
- Noise cancelling headphones will be available for hire free of charge
- Portable hearing loop will be available, please contact the Access and Inclusion Officer to book: (03) 5261 0600, or Lodge a request online.
About the artist Lynda Dingley
Lynda Dingley's art is a powerful expression of her unique journey through life. Lynda was born in Geelong and her love of travel has taken her all around Australia. Her First Nations heritage and diverse experiences have shaped her art in profound ways.
Despite being in a wheelchair for over 15 years, Lynda has used this experience as an opportunity to renew her passion for art and become a full-time artist. Her art has given her a voice and a means of expressing herself in a world that too often overlooks those with disabilities.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Lynda has also been a vocal advocate for disability rights and representation in the art world. Through her art and advocacy work, Lynda has become a role model for aspiring artists and those living with disabilities. Her passion and dedication to her craft have made her a true inspiration to all who know her.
For more information, please visit:Anglesea Art Space website.
All Abilities Advisory Committee member profiles
Members of the Surf Coast Shire Council All Abilities Advisory Committee (AAAC) with lived experience of disability will be sharing their stories via social media.
Visit Council's Facebook page during the week of 2-6 December to meet AAAC members Tim, Penny and Cheryl, and learn more about what International Day of People with Disability means to them.
How to talk to children about disability - resource for parents and carers
We have created a resource to help parents and carers talk to their children about disability in an honest and positive way.
The resource includes how to explain disability to children, tips on being positive and inclusive, activities and resources, and how to talk to your children if they have a disability.
You can download the PDF or read the resource online, by visiting our How to talk to children about disability webpage.
About International Day of People with Disability
International Day of People with Disability is held 3 December each year. It is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.