INTERNATIONAL Day of People with a Disability was celebrated at the Powerhouse in Stawell.
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A full day of activities was held to celebrate the amazing range of 'abilities' of Stawell's community members.
Pinnacle Inc. displayed artwork completed by adults in their Life Skills Program located at the Powerhouse, under instruction from Stawell artist, Cate Whitehead. Displays of activities undertaken in other Pinnacle locations around Stawell, included plants from Greenfingers Nursery and craft work.
Skene Street Specialist School displayed beautiful ceramic pots created by students, under the guidance of resident artist, Cate Whitehead. These will be located in the school's new sensory garden in the new year.
The Skene Street school choir sang a number of items under the conductorship of teacher, Sandy Slocombe and Chaplain, Christine McWilliams.
Kriss and Julieann from Grampians Community Health's Rural Access Program set up an enormous floor board game, Snakes and Ladders. The game is designed to teach people about some of the many issues people with disability have to contend with in their everyday lives.
It was excellent to see a number of representatives from the local retail and business community taking the opportunity to attend on the day to play the game and learn about how to support people.
Mothers and children from the Stawell Neighbourhood House Playgroup also enjoyed having a try of the game. Later in the evening 1st Stawell Scouts, who now meet at the Powerhouse, also had a chance to play the game to become more sensitive towards people with a disability.
Another popular item on the day was the 'Trail Rider' brought in from Parks Victoria. This innovative device allows people who are unable to walk, to experience the Grampians National Park in a vehicle that can cross rough terrain, being pulled along by an energetic fellow bush walker. A number of people attending on the day enjoyed a ride around Powerhouse in the Trail Rider.
Visitors were entertained with some lovely vocal work from Stawell based entertainer, Mason Chamberlain.
Stawell Gymnastics Club, co-located at Powerhouse, put on a display of their sensory gymnastics program, specifically devised for people with a disability.
Another important group in our community, Sisters Rocks Self Advocacy Group attended the day to celebrate their second birthday. Member Jessica Sabbo made a heartfelt speech and all present celebrated with delicious chocolate birthday cake.
A barbecue lunch kindly cooked by Sarah from the Central Grampians Local Learning Employment Network's Engage Program was enjoyed by all.
Appreciation has been expressed go the Rotary Club of Stawell for lending the Powerhouse the art display panels and also to the wonderful team of workers from a range of programs who helped to organise the event.