“People with disabilities can live life to its fullest potential”

The event aims to showcase and recognise the Council area’s commitment to access and inclusion through the arts and raise awareness of the needs of those with disabilities.

Jade joined Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, at The Alley Theatre to launch the programme for the Council area earlier this week.

This year’s programme is largely online this year to meet the restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid 19.

Jade, who has condition called cerebral palsy that affects her movement and coordination, is looking forward to the chance to connect with people.

Her opportunities to do this has been curtailed during the pandemic.

“I am proud to be part of the launch of Disability Week, because my aim is for people to be aware that we, as people with disabilities can live life to its fullest potential, regardless of our restrictions,” she said.

“I am looking forward to the programmed activities and seeing how this new way of working digitally will continue to keep disability awareness at the front of people’s minds. The current pandemic has put a pause on many of our lives, I’m not able to do things I would have done like catch up with friends but I remain optimistic that better days are around the corner.

“I have the most amazing support network of family and friends it’s because of them I’m able to forget the disability and focus on my many abilities so for that I will be forever grateful.”

Jade said she does not let her condition define her.

“I have achieved so much over the years, I’m a qualified classroom assistant and I have won an award from JCI as one of ten outstanding young persons in the UK in 2019.

“I am independent and like trying different things, I don’t see the disability but the ability.”

Derry City and Strabane District Council are aiming to reach out to an international audience through their innovative online programme to celebrate Disability Awareness Week NI.

In partnership with the Public Health Agency, the events aim to showcase and recognise the Council area’s commitment to access and inclusion through the arts and raise awareness of the needs of those with disabilities.

The programme, taking place between Monday, November 30 and Friday, December 4, will showcase disability arts through various online portals.

This will be the fifth annual celebration of the week which also includes International Day for People with Disabilities on Thursday December 3rd.

For further information on Disability Awareness Week visit derrystrabane.com/disabilityweekNI.