World day to alter the meaning of “disAbled”

Photo competition

An amatuer photographic competition will be conducted at the annual celebration of The United Nations International Day of People with a disAbility. The competition theme is “disability in the Australian community” and is open to all defence members, both civilian and military. All money raised is for the Defence Special Needs Support Group. u Details of the event can be found at www.defence.gov.au/equity or contact Dina Bellwood on (02) 6265 5219, or e-mail dina.bellwood@defence.gov.au.

By Sgt Sybelle Foxcroft

CELEBRATIONS for The United Nations International Day of People with a disAbility will be held Australia-wide on December 3.

The event recognises the achievements and contributions made by people who have a disability and aims to raise awareness of disability issues in the general community.

Highlights of the event will include a photographic competition that will help raise funds for the Defence Special Needs Support Group, the launch of the new Disability Management Strategy and guest speakers both Defence personnel and civilians who have a disability.

Deputy Director of Policy for Defence Equity Organisation Richard Dittler said disability issues are an important issue in the ADF.

“We felt that inviting Defence personnel to give a summary of how they have coped with their disability, as well as the challenges and obstacles that they have experienced, would highlight how disability issues are a mainstream matter for Defence personnel,” he said.

Details of the event can be found at www.defence.gov.au/equity or contact Dina Bellwood on (02) 6265 5219, or e-mail dina.Bellwood@defence.gov.au.