Karingal celebrates International Day of People with Disability
03 December 2010
To coincide with the United Nation’s International Day of People with Disability on December 3, Kommercial will have an open day at its Baxter Road site in North Geelong where it provides supported employment.
The day will be launched at 12.15pm by International Comedian Dave Thornton, whose brother Andrew is a supported employee at Kommercial.
The Geelong-born comedian hosts Saturday Sessions on Nova 100 each week and is a regular on many television shows including The White Room (channel 7), Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation and Good News Week (both channel 10).
The day will showcase the work undertaken by supported employees in a variety of roles at Kommercial. It will also give the public an insight into what Kommercial is and how it operates.
Kommercial is a division of not-for-profit Victorian disability service provider, Karingal, as well as an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) that offers jobs in a variety of different fields including hospitality and catering, packaging and landcare.
Kommercial staff will provide a free barbecue lunch on the day as well as guided tours of Kommercial throughout the event. There will also be interactive displays and workshops run by other divisions of Karingal.
Karingal Chief Executive Officer Daryl Starkey said Karingal was proud to celebrate the International Day of People with Disability (IDoPwD) – a day which is recognised worldwide to highlight the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. IDPwD brings together people with disability and the general community and aims to showcase their skills, abilities, contributions and achievements.
“We hope that the Kommercial Open Day will involve people with disabilities and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness,” Mr Starkey said.
“The day is a great opportunity for everyone to come down and see what supported employment and Karingal as a whole is all about.”
Kommercial Manager Michelle Edwards said the supported environment means that any person with disabilities who is ready, willing and eligible to work could find suitable employment that they enjoy with Kommercial.
“Most importantly, supported employment at Kommercial is more than just a job,” Mrs Edwards said. “The work environment we are able to provide means that our employees are able to receive the kind of support that would not be possible in the mainstream workforce.
“Work is so important for people with disabilities because without it, many can become isolated.
“Working at Kommercial is not just about getting the job done, but it also serves as a very important social interaction where supported employees are encouraged to participate in Karingal activities, form friendships, build confidence and be a part of the community.”
The Kommercial Open Day is on December 3 from 11am until 2pm – with official launch at 11.30pm featuring special guest – International Comedian Dave Thornton with his brother, Kommercial supported employee Andrew Thornton.
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For further information, photo and interview opportunities, please contact Karingal Communications Officer, Lisa Foreman on 5229 8733.