Grapevine News Online International Day Of People With Disabilities

Celebrating International Day

of people with disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year in December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

30 October 2024

CENTRAL Coast Disabled Surfers Association (DSACC) will hold a “Smiles on Dials” event at Umina Beach on Saturday, 7 December to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.

This year’s theme is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future‘.

"We need large volunteer numbers to make our surfing experience safe and enjoyable," said DSACC spokesperson Rae Fiechter

"Interested volunteers are asked to register online via Humanitix prior to the event so we know how many surfers we can accept. Volunteers will also be accepted on the day."

Volunteers do not need to know how to surf although water skills are highly valued. A water refill station and a rash shirt will be provided for the day, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own wetsuits. A sausage sizzle will complete the festivities.

Volunteering at a ‘Smiles on Dials’ event consists of helping participants to and from the beach, assisting them in and out of the water and helping set up and clean up. Food is provided and smiles are always encouraged!

Volunteer and Surfer Registration here.

View event here.

For more information on DSA, please visit 'Disabled Surfers'.

About Disabled Surfers Association:

DSACC is a volunteer-run organisation that enables people of all ages and abilities to take part in one of Australia’s most popular past-times, beach surfing! DSA volunteers serve to provide a unique, safe, and happy surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities who would otherwise be unable to access the beach. In order to ensure safety, DSA has a very high volunteer to participant ratio, with a minimum of 6 to 1 up to as high as 30 to 1 for more challenging participants. We only surf in broken waves, in waist depth water. Volunteers help participants enjoy the experience that abled bodied people often take for granted.

The DSA was established in 1986 and currently has 19 branches across Australia and New Zealand. The association sets world’s best practice for the sport of Disabled Surfing. The DSA creates opportunities for everyone, including disabled participants and able-bodied volunteers, to experience unique, safe, and happy surfing events, whilst under complete supervision from our trained Team Leaders and Beach Marshalls. DSA training programs are award winning for Outstanding Achievement in implementing Safe Sport Practices and Minister’s awards for Most Significant Contribution to Water Safety by an Organisation.

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