All smiles to mark day of ability in Tasmania

IT WAS smiles all around at the Montrose Bay Foreshore Park for a celebration of Tasmanians living with disability.

The BrightStars Dance Troupe perform at the Festival of Smiles to mark International Day of People with Disability. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

IT WAS smiles all around at the Montrose Bay Foreshore Park for a celebration of Tasmanians living with disability.

Tascare Society for Children together with the Glenorchy, Hobart and Clarence councils hosted the Festival of Smiles to mark International Day of People with Disability coming up on Saturday.

The day aims to break down barriers and increase inclusion of people with disability while celebrating their contributions to the community.

Highlights of yesterday’s popular event, which was opened by Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma, included games, kite flying, train rides and performances by the BrightStars Dance Troupe and Southern Support School students.

Ms Petrusma said the further rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Tasmania would allow control for people with disability over their own lives.

Tascare acting executive officer Keren Franks said the support service would be busy from next year helping families with children who will become part of the scheme in the new financial year.

“People are looking for more choices and more control over their future and they’re excited to be getting that option and where it could lead,” Mrs Franks said.

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said there were concerns in the sector about the Federal Government “tightening the screws” on the NDIS, with participants set to lose out.

Each year of the three year rollout, the number of Tasmanians joining the scheme is expected to double and reach more than 10,000 by mid-2019.

A week of events will be held around the state to mark International Day of People with Disability.

Details are at www.idpwd.com.au

Originally published as All smiles to mark day of ability in Tasmania