The Southwest Sydney Disability Expo comes back to Liverpool in April 2019 and is set to meet the demand for more information and a wider variety of specialised services, products and technologies from people living with disability in the region.
“We’ve noticed that people’s expectations have increased since the introduction of the NDIS. They are now wanting different and better products and services, which is a good thing for the disability community,” says event spokeswoman and Social Impact Institute consultant Kathryn Carey.
Ms Carey can relate from personal experience. She is involved in organising care for her sister-in-law Belinda, who was born with a developmental delay and requires 24/7 care.
The NDIS changed a lot of things for people with disability, their families and carers; especially with the way they thought about how care was provided.
“It took us time to navigate our way through the wealth of information that was out there. We had to consider very carefully what Belinda’s care needs are and it was very tricky finding the right information at the right time – and people who could give us the accurate information that we needed to be able to make our decisions,” says Ms Carey.
This is a key consideration for the organising committee, led by the Social Impact Institute and comprising of council members from Canterbury Bankstown, Fairfield, and Liverpool, representatives from local service providers, the community and the Australian Government’s National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program.
The South West Disability Expo, held at the Whitlam Leisure Centre Liverpool & run by the Belgravia Leisure group, is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors during the the two day event. Attendees can expect quality face-to-face time with service and product providers, and access to a range of government agencies and advocacy groups.
Over the two days, an amazing atmosphere will be generated centre stage, featuring a schedule of performers from disability groups, guest speakers from the sector touching base on a range of insightful topics and representatives from the NDIS who will give an update on the scheme, recent changes and how the region is progressing.
There will also be a range of all ages entertainment, including a sensory play area and quiet space. The venue will be made fully accessible for disability with extra disability toilets, adult changing table with hoist, accessible parking, shuttles buses & lip or curb ramps where required.
Last held in November 2017, attendees gave the Southwest Disability Expo an average rating of 4.41 stars out of five for the question “Do you feel the information at the expo will assist with your ongoing care needs?” and a rating of 4.31 stars out of five for the question “How would you rate your experience at the expo today?”
“People coming together in an environment that allows them to enact the choice and control that they have been handed, and the fact that it makes a difference to them and their ongoing care needs, is what it’s all about really,” says Ms Carey.
The Expo is Free Entry on the day or via pre-registration on the website for quick entry, entry includes a free detailed program and show bag to welcome you to the Expo and assist you with finding everything you need. Closer to the Expo ensure you visit the South West Sydney Disability Website to keep up to date with the growing exhibitor lists, guest speakers, entertainment, accessibility options and transport to the venue.
ABOUT Social Impact Institute
Social Impact Institute develops partnerships to support social impact and transform communities. As innovators, creatives and strategic problem solvers, Social Impact Institute helps organisations find creative solutions to complex problems. We are best known for our support of social enterprises, not-for-profits, community development and religious organisations.
Contact
Kathryn Carey, Senior Consultant, Social Impact Institute
kathryn.carey@socialimpact.institute
02 9025 9307 | 0418 969 149