Disability Awareness Day

Information and advice from over 250 exhibitors

Disability Awareness Day 30th Anniversary Event

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the date for this years' 30th anniversary event has been moved from Sunday 18th July to Sunday 12th September.

Disability Awareness Day ("DAD") is the world's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led disability exhibition, held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington.

Visitors to the show can expect to find over 200 exhibitors, equipment suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure, employment, support groups and services. PLUS a Sports Zone including Scuba diving, an Arts Marquee, Centre Arena and family entertainment. The show opens at 10am and finishes at 4pm, and entry is FREE with a FREE programme.

The events organisers will be following all local and national COVID-19 guidance.

2021 Programme

The 2021 programme is available as a downloadable PDF (48 pages, 5MB), and includes site plan, locations of marquees, entertainments and events schedules, and more.

2021 Programme (PDF)

About DAD

Have you ever wondered what DAD week and Disability Awarenss Day are like behind the scenes? Read this fascinating first hand account from Dave Thompson MBE DL, the Co-ordinator of the event.

The Aims of DAD

Disability Awareness Day is a pan disability event which promotes a can do culture focusing on what disabled people can do throughout life and work. The show has three main aims:

To highlight what statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.

To promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers, we want everyone to see the best and/or latest designs

To provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do, in the field of Sport, Arts and Entertainment

As well as fulfilling all these aims every year the show also gives everyone who comes a really good day out filled with interest, fun and entertainment!

Disability Awareness Day 2021 will take place at Walton Hall and Gardens.

United Utilities Joint Principal

Excellent News! United Utilities will join Expanse Learning group as Joint Principal Sponsors for DAD 2021.

DAD needs YOU!

WDP are looking for volunteers to join DAD's Army and support the event. Stewards - to help assist with moving and shifting, car park duties, assisting exhibitors and general visitor support throughout the day (position open to over 18s only) Helpers - to assist in the Sports Zone, and for general support to the Stewards (position open to under 18s)

Volunteer here

Join our community

Get the news, the stories and the latest exhibitors with Dave Thompson's regular news email. Sign up here.

Show Sponsors and Supporters 2021

Disability Awareness Day is a real example of Partnerships in Action, and we would like thank everybody who supports DAD 2021, especially our sponsors for their financial and in-kind contributions. (confirmed at 19/07/21)

Joint Principal Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors