14 September 2017

Over 250 people dance the night away at Radford-L’Arche disability inclusive disco

| Glynis Quinlan
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L’Arche residents and Radford Year 11 students celebrating 10 years of inclusive discos.

More than 250 people with and without disability danced the night away recently to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Radford-L’Arche Inclusive Disco.

For the past 10 years, Radford College and L’Arche Genesaret have partnered twice a year to reach out across Canberra to host the discos as an inclusive community-building experience.

L’Arche Genesaret sends out invitations across the disability sector in Canberra and Year 11 students from Radford College and their teachers get behind the detail of the event co-ordination.

This includes catering, decorations, lighting, music and sound. They also dance with the guests to help create an inclusive atmosphere and to share in the fun.

L’Arche members and assistants enjoying a night of inclusive fun at the Radford-L’Arche Disco.

“This gathering of people with a disability, their carers and families with the school and broader community make this a much sought after event,” said L’Arche Community Life Co-Ordinator, Annie Patterson.

“For L’Arche, the disco provides another wonderful opportunity to share its unique way of providing disability support through its community model, which reaches out and makes known the gifts of people living with disability to the broader community,” Ms Patterson said.

“L’Arche, in addition to its supported independent living activities, plan a range of social and recreational opportunities which include bowling, movie, swimming and singing nights for its members and supporters.

“These events are enhanced by L’Arche’s ability to draw on a committed and experienced L’Arche Genesaret volunteer base.”

Celebrating 10 years of inclusive discos.

Ms Patterson said that L’Arche has upcoming opportunities in its supported independent living homes for new members with a disability. Anyone who is interested should contact Ms Patterson on 6282 9066 for details on the intake and assessment processes.

L’Arche also founded and supports The Hub in Phillip. This facility provides workshop and class spaces for all abilities and currently hosts art, drama and fitness classes.

Anyone interested in hosting or taking a class/workshop for Term 4 should contact Amber Hayden, Hub Administrator on 6109 0145.

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