COMMUNITIES across Wiltshire are holding a series of events on December 3 to promote disability equality and mark the International Day for Disabled People.

No Barriers day builds on the successful Breaking Down the Barriers event that was held in Trowbridge last year.

The events are being coordinated by Wiltshire County Council with the support of a wide range of partners and focuses on looking at how barriers facing disabled people can be removed.

These barriers are not just physical barriers; they are more often hidden barriers such as communication and people's attitudes and prejudices.

The series of events will be launched by the leader of Wiltshire County Council Jane Scott at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon.

Mrs Scott said: "'No Barriers' is the message that will be resonating across Wiltshire on 3 December 2007.

"Events to mark the International Day for Disabled People will be focused on promoting disability equality and breaking down the barriers faced by disabled people.

"These are not just physical barriers; they are more often hidden barriers, about communication and people's attitudes and prejudices.

"To highlight these issues the county council is working with a wide range of organisations to hold a variety of events for people in Wilthsire.

"But this No Barriers day must not stand in isolation. We all need to continue working together to promote disability equality. When barriers are identified, actions need to be taken to remove them if possible."

There are various events and activities taking place across Wiltshire, which among others include:

  • Bradford on Avon. Disability awareness performances and workshops are being held by Our Voice Theatre Group between 10am and 3pm at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon. For more information Rhian Bennett - 01225 718061
  • Chippenham. North Wiltshire District Council and Westlea Housing Association are holding an awareness day between 10am and 4pm with a prize draw at the Neeld Hall in Chippenham. For more information contact Joelle Moore on 01249 706423 or jmoore@northwilts.gov.uk
  • Devizes. Disability awareness day for Police staff and officers being held in Devizes Marlborough and District Dyslexia Society is providing a range of information to people at the town's library. For more information please call Glenda O'Conner at library on 01672 512663.
  • Melksham. There is a community open morning organised by the Shaw Trust with information display, coffee and cakes and talks with people who have had to overcome barriers between 10am and 12.30pm at Shaw Trust Wiltshire, 6C Little Brook Centre, Bath Road. For more information contact Molly Edge - 01225 899110
  • Melksham. West Wiltshire District Council in partnership with DC Leisure is promoting access to health facilities at Melksham Blue Pool in the Market Place between 10am and 4pm. For more information contact Kay Selman by calling 01225 762711 or email kayselman@dcleisure.co.uk
  • Trowbridge. Talks on 'Disabled People Organising in Asia and Africa' and 'Physical Access - Where are we at in Wiltshire?' are being held by Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living and West Wiltshire Access Group between 10.30am and 2pm at The Independent Living Centre, Semington, Trowbridge. To attend ring 01380 871100 or email info@wiltshirecil.org.uk
  • Trowbridge. There will be an information display, education opportunities, advice and options for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities by Wiltshire Connexions and Fairfield Farm College all day at The Shires Shopping Centre, Trowbridge. For more information contact Paul Myles - 01225 716450 or paul.myles@connexionsws.org.uk
  • Trowbridge. Community groups representing disabled people are invited to join in an informal discussion with Sue Redmond, director of community services, cabinet member Mark Baker and panel of Wiltshire County Council officers, on the disability equality duty - where we are today? It is being held at County Hall in Trowbridge. For more information contact Audrey Ekstrom audreyekstrom@wiltshire.gov.uk or 01249 821947
  • Trowbridge. Find out about the history of Palmer Gardens and what the Shaw Trust does at the garden centre and café. The event is being organised by the Shaw Trust and will be held between 10am and 3pm at Palmer Gardens - Garden Centre and Café, Islington, Trowbridge. For further information Matthew Webb - 01225 768977
  • Warminster. Disability Awareness for Warminster children is being held by Sutton Veny Church of England School for its pupils

Many more events are being organised daily and more information can be found on the county council's website www.wiltshire.gov.uk