A new all-abilities disco party is being launched at Haven in Byron Bay, on 29 April with a live DJ and fun for all.
‘The Disco Ball is an inclusive, fun, and immersive event with sensory spaces, and a nightclub style disco party for people living with disability, their carers, family, and friends,’ organiser Tanya Field told The Echo.
Tanya said that The Disco Ball has been designed with inclusivity at its core and has been codesigned with an NDIS participant.
Inclusion, contribution and collaboration are at the heart of The Disco Ball. Emma Kolesnikoff, who is the social ambassador for The Disco Ball, lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Over the past few weeks Emma has been full of excitement and a genuine sense of accomplishment. Busy visiting NDIS providers, attending business meetings, and making an appearance on BayFM, in Emma’s words: ‘This is a dream come true… we’re really doing it!’
Welcoming and fun
‘The long-term vision for The Disco Ball is to develop into a social enterprise, where more opportunities are made available for people living with disabilities to not only participate, but also to contribute in meaningful ways to the direction and evolution of all future events,’ said Tanya.
‘It is a welcoming, non-judgemental environment where people can socialise and express themselves freely. There is a consideration of sound, lighting, and crowd flow to support different sensory needs and it has a dedicated sensory space for participants who may need time out or a quieter environment. There is a strong focus on participation, not just as attendees, but in shaping the future of the event.’
‘At its heart, The Disco Ball is about creating inclusive social spaces that are shaped by the people they are for; fostering connection, participation, and a genuine sense of belonging.’
The Disco Ball will run from 6pm to 8.30pm and entry is $20, with carers and support workers attending for free. Find out more and pick up a ticket at: www.thediscoball.com.au.
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