Kildare County Council launches Kildare Disability Week 2023

Kildare County Council has announced details of a programme of initiatives to mark Kildare Disability Week 2023 which will take place from 27 November to 4 December and International Day of Persons with Disabilities which takes place on Sunday 3 December.

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 1 December.  Commissioned by Kildare County Council and Creative Ireland to create a publication which depicts disabled children, author, Emma-Jane Leeson has delivered an enchanting new addition to the beloved Johnny Magory series which 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. The ‘Our World’ initiative recently won the creative places category at the IPB Pride of Place awards.   The ‘Our World’, program is a sustainable lending & 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.  

The launch of the Athy Billboard Project also coincides with Kildare Disability Week.  The project comprises a series of 7 billboards which have the participants voices at the heart of the message.  The billboards are on display on Leinster Street Athy now, until 14 February 2024.

The Purple Lights Campaign -will see 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 will 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.

Kildare County Council has been working with the County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), local access groups and many other partners across the county, comprising of people who have unrivalled experience and understanding, to achieve real change.  Watch here to see some of the projects being delivered:  https://youtu.be/vpg7a-oGq6k

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by 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 Kildare are encouraged to get involved. 

#PurpleLights23 #IDPwD23 

ENDS 

Photo: Aras Chill Dara