Last week, I visited the Mandurah Disability Expo to see what was on offer, connect with members of the disability community, and learn more about local services, groups and activities. The expo, hosted by John Tonkin College Education Support Centre and supported by the City of Mandurah, brought together more than 100 exhibitors and plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and have conversations.
As soon as I walked through the doors, I could feel the energy in the room. People were laughing, dancing, chatting and catching up with one another. From the beautiful butterfly performers on stilts moving through the crowd to people enjoying the silent disco, there was a real sense of fun and belonging.
One of the highlights of the day was exploring the microenterprise stalls coordinated through Sprout Space and catching up with Tayla and Ayesha (Blind As A Bat Creations), who have been part of the AT Chat community since the early days. It was great to learn more about how Sprout Space supports people to turn their interests, skills and creativity into small businesses. I couldn't leave without buying a few beautiful pieces created by Kasey from StitchedUp.
Another memorable moment was meeting disability advocate Ashleigh Gibson. Her beautiful pink wheelchair frame, which matched her hair, was a fantastic example of someone who's embraced their AT and made it uniquely theirs. It was a reminder that assistive technology isn't just about function. It can also be about self-expression, confidence and making your AT uniquely yours.
The expo was also a great opportunity to learn about organisations helping people stay active, build friendships and take part in activities they enjoy. It was wonderful to meet representatives from Adventure WA Support Services, Ace It Tennis, Adaptive Volley, Ballroom Fit, Fishability and Kin Advocacy, all of whom are helping people connect with others and do more of the things they love.
I also learned about a range of community initiatives, including the WA Emergency app available via the Apple App store and Google Play and the Eyes on the Street app. These tools help people stay informed, connected and contribute to safer communities. The Eyes on the Street app is provided by Crime Stoppers WA and allows community members to share information about suspicious activity and safety concerns.
A lovely surprise during the day came from the Mandurah Library team, who gifted me two large-print books. While I love the convenience of my Kindle, there's still something special about holding a book in your hands, turning the pages and getting lost in a good story.
From personalised assistive technology and creative microenterprises to inclusive sport and community activities, the expo showcased many different ways people are staying connected, following their interests and taking part in the things that matter to them.
What stood out most to me was the passion people have for helping others live the life they want to live. Whether it was through sport, art, advocacy, community programs or assistive technology, so many conversations were focused on helping people take part in the activities they value.
As an AT Chat Peer Support Officer, it was also wonderful to share the support our community offers and talk with people about the value of learning from others with lived experience when exploring assistive technology options.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with me and share their experiences throughout the day. Events like these are a great reminder of the creativity, kindness and generosity that exists within our community.
Share Article: