Kidz to Adultz Wales welcomes over 1000 visitors to House of Sport Cardiff

Over 1000 people descended on House of Sport Cardiff on 7^th July for Kidz to Adultz Wales – one of the largest, free Welsh events dedicated to children and young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families and the professionals who work with them.

Over 95+ exhibitors offered advice, support and information on mobility, communication, equipment and technology, education, toys and learning aids, transport, beds and seating, sports and leisure and much more.

Free to attend, the event featured a host of educational and practical seminars for parents, guardians, carers and professionals, on topics such as transition, education, behaviour, sleep issues, moving and handling, The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act as well as legal and personal matters.

Families, children, carers and professionals from Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bristol, Wiltshire, Devon, Southampton and Birmingham attended, with one family travelling from Kendal in the Lake District and a visitor from Canada who has a disabled nephew who lives in the region.

Disability Sport Wales provided a number sporting taster activities sessions throughout the day including wheelchair football, wheelchair basketball and boccia.

22 volunteers from Deloitte in Cardiff were on hand at the event to register attendees and guide them around the event, support the delivery of seminars, and facilitate parking and access.

Figures state that just over 15,000 people in Wales are living with a learning disability, and over 76,000 people with a physical or sensory disability.[1] Kidz to Adultz Wales was approached by the Welsh Assembly to host the event in a bid to provide support to the local communities.

Carmel Hourigan, senior manager at Disabled Living says: ‘We’ve had some extremely positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees on how useful and beneficial the event was. People travelled from far and wide to get here and find out about the products and services available to them. Everyone left learning something new and feeling enthused and positive about their children’s future and the opportunities presented.

“Children loved taking part in the sporting activities and many of them signed up to programmes by Disability Sport Wales, so we look forward to seeing their progress and success.

“We are delighted with what we have achieved with this event and wish to thank all the exhibitors, speakers, organisers, volunteer, attendees and our host venue, House of Sport Cardiff.

Gareth Pritchard, partner at Deloitte in Cardiff, coordinated the team of volunteers. He says:  “It was an honour to support Disabled Living with the Kidz to Adultz Wales event. It’s a great opportunity for our people to make an impact in the local community and help children and young adults thrive, develop and succeed.  Everyone involved felt inspired by the people they met there and it was heart-warming to see the smiles on the children’s faces.”

There was also a free prize draw with prizes from Anglesey Sea Zoo, Gower Heritage Centre, Bristol Aquarium, and Newquay Boat Trips. Winners will be informed this week.

Kidz to Adultz Wales took place in the House of Sport, Cardiff, on Thursday 7^th July from 9.30am to 4.30pm

For more information on future events and to book your free tickets, visit http://www.disabledliving.co.uk/Kidz/Welcome.