Diversity the driving factor

Tiaho Trust CEO Jonny Wilkinson

Sausage-sizzles, face painting and innovative technology will be showcased to celebrate the diversity disabled people bring to the community.

Tomorrow marks International Day of People with Disabilities and to celebrate Tiaho Trust will be holding an event at Toll Stadium.

Jonny Wilkinson, Tiaho Trust CEO, said he's looking forward to the day.

"It's important to recognise the value disabled people add to our diverse community."

Mr Wilkinson said this year's theme, Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology, will focus on the role of technology in creating an "even playing field" for disabled people.

He said the Tiaho Trust would showcase the advances that had been made with some "remarkable" technology.

"An example of this is the video remote interpreter. This is so people who are deaf can use real time video relay, similar to Skype, in order to use sign language remotely. The interpreter can see the person doing sign language and then relay what they are saying in real time."

The day is for people of all ages and abilities. Last year the event, at the Town Basin, was cancelled due to rain. But Mr Wilkinson said this year, with a sunny weather forecast, he's confident the day will go ahead. The event is free and starts at 10am.