Derry going global with equality for all online

Deputy Mayor Alderman Graham Warke with disability ambassadors, Jade Kelly and Oliver Brown, Adele Dunn (PHA),and Louise Boyce (Derry City and Strabane District Council).

The initiative, being run by Derry & Strabane Council in conjunction with the Public Health Agency, aim to showcase and recognise the Council area’s commitment to access and inclusion through the arts.

It also aims to raise awareness of the needs of those with disabilities during Disability Awareness Week, which runs next week from November 30 to December 4.

Mayor Brian Tierney, said: “International Celebration of Persons with Disabilities Week aims to bring together and support people with disability in our community and promote health and wellbeing through the arts at this challenging time. As a Council we are committed to ensuring this issue is at the forefront in all that we do so that we promote and facilitate equal opportunity for all.

“I would encourage the public to access the programme and get involve in the events that can be accessed online from the safety of your home.”

Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer Louise Boyce, said: “The restrictions and public health advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has created many challenges in developing an online programme that people can access remotely but it has equally created an opportunity to reach out to a much larger audience.

“I would like to thank all the venues, businesses, initiatives and artists for their support in developing the innovative and varied online programme than can be accessed worldwide and through the internet.”

For further information on the programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/disabilityweekNI