Milton Keynes Rose is the focus for the launch of Disability Awareness Day

The Mayor of Milton Keynes Steve Coventry, and the Mayoress, The High Sherriff of Buckinghamshire, Milly Soames, CEO of MK Snap Maureen McColl, Paralympian archer, Valerie Williamson and Chair of MK DAD, Debbie Brock, all spoke positively about importance of raising awareness and seeing beyond disability.

Guests including students from Redway special needs school, MKC Chief Executive Carole Mills and The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, were led by Haddon Beats from MacIntyre, to sing the MK DAD anthem ‘See Me (Not My Disability)’ sung for the first time.

“MK DAD is truly on the Calendar and is spreading the vision of looking beyond the disability and seeing the person,” said Maureen McColl, CEO of MK Snap who lobbied for Disability Awareness Day to be recognised by having a pillar at The Rose.

The celebrations will continue tomorrow (Sat, July 16) with the MK DAD Picnic on the Green at Walnut Tree between 2pm and 6pm.

The free event will have dance, music, performances, sports, archery and much more.

British Paralympic sportswoman Anna Turney will bring her energy to the day, along with City-based British archery Paralympian, Valerie Williamson.

An art exhibition and interactive art workshops, showcasing talent from MK Arts for Health, MK Snap, MacIntyre, Tower Drive/Whaddon Way and Camphill will also feature.

Alongside art created by people with disabilities, superb artwork from hand and foot artist Keith Jansz will be shown.