International Day of People with Disability
To celebrate International Day of People with Disability 2023 we are partnering with Torquay Library to celebrate people with disability in the early years.
Children are naturally curious and open-minded. We aim to promote inclusion of people with disability by providing children and families with:
- positive representations of people with disability
- resources to talk openly about disability and celebrate diversity.
How to talk to children about disability
We have created a resource to help parents and carers talk to their children about disability in an honest and positive way.
The resource includes how to explain disability to children, tips on being positive and inclusive, activities and resources, and how to talk to your children if they have a disability.
How to talk to children about disability
Story times at Torquay Library
Torquay Library will host two special events to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, featuring books about people with disability and Auslan interpreters.
Torquay Library
Surf City Plaza, Beach Road
Preschool Story Time
Monday 4 December, 10.30-11.15am
Guest book reader: Renee D'Offay
Register here
Toddler Time
Thursday 7 December, 10.30-11.00am
Guest book reader: Chrissie Davies
Register here
Accessibility at Torquay Library
- Accessible carparks x3
- Accessible toilet
- Automatic sliding door
- Ramp access to upstairs story time area
- Recharge points for mobility aids
- Social story(PDF, 5MB) about visiting the library
If you have any access or support needs to participate fully in this event, please let us know by contacting the Access and Inclusion Officer: online or by phone: 5261 0600.
About our guest readers
Renee D'Offay
Renee D'Offay is an author, mother, qualified Teacher of the Deaf and LOTE Auslan teacher.
Renee is an inspiring Deaf role model who has touched the hearts of many through her challenging experiences.
She grew up with her family in the small Victorian coastal town of Breamlea.
Renee was born and lived with natural hearing for nineteen years before she contracted meningococcal meningitis in 2002, which left her profoundly deaf.
This life-changing experience encouraged Renee to have a new outlook on life, and started her on a journey for which she could never be prepared.
Chrissie Davies
Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour specialist, trauma informed educator, consultant, author, guest speaker, loving mama of two, and fierce advocate for understanding 'differently wired" children and how we can include them in our community.
She lives with her husband and young family on the Surf Coast of Victoria.
Chrissie is particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent children in educational settings and sharing her knowledge with teachers.
She has lived experience of raising children who move through the world in their own unique way.
Chrissie wants people far and wide to understand that with the right supports and understandings - all children can thrive!
About International Day of People with Disability
International Day of People with Disability is held 3 December each year. It is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.