Kildare County Council launches Kildare Disability Week 2023

Kildare County Council (KCC) has today announced details of a programme of initiatives to mark Kildare Disability Week 2023 (KDW 2023).

KDW 2023 which will take place from November 27 to December 4 and International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which takes place on December 3, during KDW 2023.

KCC has also revealed that renowned Irish children’s author Emma-Jane Leeson, in collaboration with County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), will launch a new book 'Johnny Magory and the Mystery of the Missing Puppies' on Friday, December 1. 

A spokesperson for KCC said: "Commissioned by Kildare County Council and Creative Ireland to create a publication which depicts disabled children, Emma-Jane Leeson has delivered yet another enchanting new addition to the beloved Johnny Magory series.

"The book follows the quest of seven children from Kildare, five of whom are disabled, to find their missing assistance puppies.

"Copies of the book will be donated to every public library in Ireland, as well as distributed to every primary school in Kildare, making this heart-warming adventure accessible to children across the country.

"The book is inspired by the toy assistance puppies from Maynooth Access Group’s 'Our World' Inclusive Toy Collection."

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They also pointed out that The 'Our World' initiative recently won the creative places category at the IPB Pride of Place awards.  

The spokesperson continued: "It is a sustainable lending and educational resource, consisting of a collection of diverse and inclusive toys and accessories.

"The resource is used by all, helping to teach children acceptance, normalising difference, and promoting empathy and compassion, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society."

They further said that the launch of the Athy Billboard Project also coincides with KDW 2023: "The project comprises a series of seven billboards which have the participants voices at the heart of the message. 

"The billboards are on display on Leinster Street Athy now, until February 14, 2024."

Other events planned for KDW 2023 include:

• Purple Lights Campaign - Landmark buildings including Aras Chill Dara and Newbridge Town Hall will be virtually lighting up in the colour purple, the official colour of disability, to acknowledge all those who live with a disability in our communities.
• Fly the Flag - The County Kildare Access Network Flag to be flown in prominent locations across the county throughout the week. In total, 250 flags will be flown in town squares, outside schools and on Garda Stations across the county.
• Information signs will also be on display along main thoroughfares in and out of towns throughout the county.

The spokesperson also said that KCC Kildare County Council has been working with the CKAN, local access groups and many other partners across the county, 'comprising of people who have unrivalled experience and understanding, to achieve real change.' 

They also pointed to a YouTube video showcasing some of the projects being delivered.

FURTHER DETAILS

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for 2023 is "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities".

People across County Kildare are encouraged to get involved and can also join the conversation online and show their support by using the hashtags #IDPD and #DisabilityDay.