About Disability Awareness Day
Founded in 1992 by Dave Thompson MBE DL, Disability Awareness Day has grown from two marquees and a dream into the world’s largest voluntary-led disability exhibition — inspiring similar events across the globe.
About Disability Awareness Day
Disability Awareness Day (DAD) is widely recognised as the world’s largest, voluntary led, pan disability, and free to attend, independent living expo. DAD was launched in 1992 and is organised by Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP), a user led charity.
Held within the grounds of the amazing Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington (off A56), DAD 2026 will be the finale of a week of complementary events. None of these events would be possible without the help of our sponsors and supporters, and hundreds of volunteers aptly named DAD’s Army. United Utilities are leading our list of sponsors for DAD 2026.
Over 150 exhibitors will highlight solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.
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A huge, tented village of marquees will house most of the exhibitors that will be supported by; a Sports Zone, a Main Arena, a Performing Arts Marquee, two further marquees featuring Art and Crafts.
The Sports Zone offers “have a go” sports activities or sit alongside the Main Arena or the stage in the Performing Arts marquee watching a wide range of highly talented entertainers.
All this and a Silent Disco, Circus Skills, Classic Car Show, a Viking Village and play areas, plus Walton Gardens accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.
Support services include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a free mobility scooter and wheelchair loan service (subject to availability), British Sign Language interpreters and over 80 trained stewards and helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.
Although information, advice and guidance are the focus for DAD, a by-product has seen over £1million raised by charities. DAD has been featured on TV (BBC and ITV) and covered by radio and newspapers at home and abroad. In 2006 we were presented the Queens Award for Voluntary Services. Most of all it has provided something for every one of our 700,000 visitors who have attended DAD events during the past 34 years.
In 2011 we welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex and in 1998, 2001, 2006 and 2013 we were joined by the Minister for Disabled People. Cheshire’s Lord Lieutenant David Briggs MBE represented the Royal Family at our 25th Anniversary event in 2016. Other special guests include Thailand’s Minister for Health and Social Care, RAF Red Arrows, RAF WW2 Dakota and over a dozen European delegates.
DAD Warrington has inspired organisations in nearly 20 countries to run their own versions including Cameroon, India, Uganda, Thailand, Gibraltar, and Egypt.
The three aims of DAD
Disability Awareness Day is a pan-disability event promoting a can-do culture, focusing on what disabled people can achieve throughout life and work.
Promote Independence
Highlight what statutory, private and voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent — showcasing the full range of support, not just what’s offered by statutory providers.
Showcase Innovation
Promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence. We want everyone to see the best and latest designs — breaking the stigma of using assistive technology and aids.
Celebrate Ability
Provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do in the fields of sport, arts and entertainment — and give every visitor a brilliant day out filled with interest, fun and inspiration.
30+ years of making a difference
The very first DAD
Two large tents, four volunteers, and a vision. The first Disability Awareness Day is held at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington.
Minister for Disabled People visits
The first of four visits by the Minister for Disabled People, recognising DAD's growing national significance.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Services
DAD receives the prestigious Queen's Award — the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups across the UK.
Royal visit
Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex visits DAD, and India holds its first Disability Awareness Day inspired by the event.
Global expansion
The Closing the Gap organisation runs the first DAD-inspired event in Cameroon, joining a growing worldwide movement.
DAD goes virtual
For the first time in its history, DAD moves online due to the pandemic — but the spirit of community endures.
DAD's 35th Anniversary
Extended arts and crafts area and a classic car show including the famous Invacar AC 70.
Everything you need for the day
DAD is designed to be fully accessible and welcoming for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.
Getting There & Parking
Free bus and park-and-ride services available. 300 blue badge spaces reserved on tarmac. Additional overflow parking with a dropping-off point near the entrance bridge.
Scooter Hire & Wheelchair Loan
Approximately 30 mobility scooters available for £10/day (pre-book required). 40 wheelchairs available on free loan — including children’s and attendant-propelled options.
Accessible Facilities
Five permanent wheelchair-accessible toilet units around the site, plus a hoist and changing plinth near the entrance bridge (RADAR key needed).
Assistance & Support
DAD Stewards in black polo shirts and yellow tabards are in radio contact with organisers and St John Ambulance. Two BSL interpreters available all day.
First Aid
St John Ambulance on site all day, situated adjacent to the Main Arena. Stewards can direct you or call for assistance.
Contact
For special requirements, scooter bookings or any questions, contact the DAD office on 01925 240064 or email Kate at WDP.
The team behind the magic
The DAD management team is made up of dedicated representatives from voluntary and statutory organisations.
WDP Chief Executive who founded DAD in 1992. Works tirelessly year-round developing and growing the event.
WDP’s Deputy Chief Executive oversees administration, finances, steward registrations, communications, programme content and VIP reception.
Grew up with DAD, taking part in the very first event aged 12. WDP’s Commercial Director and future Co-ordinator.
Retired WDP Trustee, Member of the DAD Week Team for over 20 years. Dave operates from Stewards Control Point, ensuring the smooth running of stewards enquiries.
Member of the DAD Week Team for over 20 years. John operates from Stewards Control Point, ensuring the smooth running of stewards enquiries.
Supports the build and take down of Disability Awareness Day and also oversees the Sports Zone planning and on the day.
Oversees bookings for the Arts Marquee and Main Arena, as well as on the day support.
Coordinates all social media campaigns with creative ideas and promotions to advertise the event.
Oversees exhibitor space bookings, programme advertising, and steward administration support.
Ellie supports administration in the run up to DAD week. She oversees the production of the DAD Programme and advertisements as well as event bookings, fundraising and leaflet distribution.
Organises volunteers and stewards for Disability Awareness Day and supports stewards throughout the event.
As Head Ranger at Walton Hall & Gardens, he supports planning and safety of the event.
Oversees WYZ’s Party in the Park and young people activities on the day of the event.
Supports the set up and take down of Disability Awareness Day, and organises equipment and inventory for the event.
Be part of the story
Whether you’re visiting, exhibiting, sponsoring or volunteering, there’s a place for you at Disability Awareness Day 2026.