Disability expo to showcase options

TAKING place on Thursday 20 November, the Ballarat Disability Expo will aim to help connect local service providers and services with those who need them.

The event is being held from 10am to 2pm at the North Ballarat Sports Club and will be free to attend.

It is being run and hosted by Ballarat’s AssistU Care and Support Services as a day to showcase the range of local disability services that exist for local people to connect with.

“Our aim to make it local and personal and get the little guys involved as well,” AssistU Care and Support Services co-owner Abigail Dupcinov said.

“We decided to have an expo to make sure that as many service providers from the local area and surrounds are involved as possible.

“It’s a friendly, welcoming event where people can discover what support is out there and how it can help them or someone they care about.

“We will also have food and coffee vans attending.

“People may not know what’s out there and this is an opportunity to have a conversation with providers and for businesses to let people know what they do and to help increase choice.”

Ms Dupcinov said the range of local service providers was very diverse.

“It could be support workers for in-home supports. It could be day programs,” she said.

“We’ve got a business that does solely mechanical programs for example, and another that’s focussed on youth cooking support.

“This expo is about bringing people together and celebrating inclusion, building connections, and strengthening community support.”

Ms Dupcinov said the event will also provide a networking and information-gathering opportunity for anyone interested in working in the sector, offering a chance to connect with potential employers.