KEY Community Group will host a free community movie night in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 5 December to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD).
The event will be held at Key Community’s business on West High Street, Key Community’s Chief Executive Officer Jodi Wood said.
“International Day of People with Disability is such an important day for us at Key,” Ms Wood told News Of The Area.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate people with disability, recognise the contributions they make to our community and, importantly, encourage people to think about what inclusion really means.”
Key started the movie night last year because the team wanted to do something that brought the whole community together.
“It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions and creating a space where people of all abilities can come together and enjoy the same experience.”
The culture at Key is about inclusion, and it is spoken about every day, but Ms Wood believes it is just as important to show what it looks like in practice.
“We want to create a community where everyone feels valued, welcomed and included, not just on this one day, but every day.
“I absolutely love this night.
“Christmas is my favourite time of year, and there’s something really special about bringing a little Christmas magic to our community while celebrating people with disability and everything they contribute.”
In the current climate of a high cost of living being so tough for families, Key Community staff are happy to provide a free night out.
There will be free popcorn, fairy floss, face painting, balloon twisting and, at 7pm Santa arrives.
Families with little kids can come early, from 6pm to enjoy all the activities and still be home in time for bed, while everyone else can bring a picnic rug, grab a sausage sizzle and settle in for the movie, which starts after dusk, at 8pm.
“For me, it’s all about removing barriers and bringing people of all abilities together.
“Seeing everyone having fun and feeling included is what makes this night so special,” she said.
Bus Stop Films continues to support the annual Movie Night.
“We will be providing a selection of short films created through our Accessible Filmmaking Program for screening on the night, showcasing the creativity, talent and stories of our participants,” a spokesperson from Bus Stop Films told NOTA.
As an award-winning, disability-led not-for-profit social enterprise, Bus Stop Films uses filmmaking to create greater inclusion, opportunity and human rights outcomes for people with disability.
“Through our Accessible Filmmaking Program, we provide people with disability with opportunities to develop creative skills, build confidence, connect with others and explore pathways into the screen industry.
“We are delighted to support the event and its efforts to bring the Coffs Harbour community together for an enjoyable night of connection, entertainment and inclusion.”
The annual International Day of People with Disability recognises the contributions of people with disability and encourages communities to become more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
This year’s theme, ‘Building on Progress, Advancing the Future’, marks 20 years since the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The agreement sets out the rights of people with disability and the responsibility of countries to protect and uphold them.
The theme asks communities to look at how far they have come over the past 20 years and what still needs to change to build a more inclusive future.
By Andrea FERRARI
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