About Disability Awareness Day
Disability Awareness Day was founded by Dave Thompson MBE DL in 1992 and is managed by Warrington Disability Partnership, the charity Dave founded in 1991. Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is based in Warrington at the Centre for Independent Living, Evelyn Street, Warrington WA5 1BA and our phone number is 01925 240064.
In the many marquees that create the show ground visitors will be able to explore more than 250 exhibitors promoting independent living and the theme of a ‘can do’ culture, as well as enjoying the Sports Zone, Arts Marquee, Main Arena and Family Entertainments. DAD offers something for everyone and a fun day out for the whole family.
Date: Sunday 13th July 2025
Time: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Walton Hall and Gardens
Disability Awareness Day – annually since 1992
Disability Awareness Day (“DAD”) is the world’s largest ‘not for profit’ voluntary-led disability exhibition, held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington.
Visitors to the show can expect to find over 200 exhibitors, equipment suppliers – including us, transport, holidays, leisure, employment, support groups and services. PLUS a Sports Zone including Scuba diving, a Performing Arts Marquee, Arts and Crafts Marquees, Silent disco, Centre Arena and family entertainment. This year the show is on Sunday 13th July, it opens at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, and entry is FREE with a FREE programme.
About DAD
Have you ever wondered what DAD week and Disability Awareness Day are like behind the scenes? Read this fascinating first hand account from Dave Thompson MBE DL, the Co-ordinator of the event.
The Aims of DAD
Disability Awareness Day is a pan disability event which promotes a can do culture focusing on what disabled people can do throughout life and work. The show has three main aims:
✅ To highlight what statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.
✅ To promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers, we want everyone to see the best and/or latest designs
✅ To provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do, in the field of Sport, Arts and Entertainment. As well as fulfilling all these aims every year the show also gives everyone who comes a really good day out filled with interest, fun and entertainment!
