Expo to shine light on ability, not disability

Two local artists will prove that having a disability needn’t stop you showcasing your abilities and achieving your goals.

Rachel Gillow (Beaudesert) and Rachael Brook (Boonah) will exhibit their artwork at the inaugural Let’s Celebrate Ability Expo at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre at Boonah on December 3.

Rachel will display her art pieces including sculptures, paintings, photos and a large variety of homemade greetings cards.

As well as exhibiting her artwork, Rachael will host a mouth-painting workshop at the expo, which will coincide with the International Day of People with a Disability.

Both women are clients of the Carinity Bunderra disability support service based at Boonah which caters to people living in the Scenic Rim and West Moreton areas.

Carinity Fassifern Community Centre Community Development Coordinator Samantha Caves says Rachel, 20, has “flourished in all endeavours” since starting a life skills program at Bunderra.

The program includes volunteering at the community centre’s onsite Community Café 11 where people with the disability and at-risk youth learn hospitality skills.

“Rachel was quiet and withdrawn but is now excited about her future which includes working in the cafe, hosting her own art exhibition and increasing her independent living skills,” Samantha says.

“Carinity recognises that inclusive supports and learning opportunities are fundamental to improve opportunities and independence for everyone, regardless of age or disability. Carinity’s vision is to create communities where people are loved, accepted and supported to reach their full potential.

“The Let’s Celebrate Ability Expo will showcase the abilities of our Carinity Bunderra respite clients and Get Set for Work students as they provide scrumptious dishes, cappuccinos and other beverages from our onsite social enterprise, Community Café 11.”

The expo will also feature Kaszazz Expressive Art Therapy workshop, miniature ponies and stalls for services available to people with a disability in Fassifern region including fitness, disability advocacy and mental health support.

The Let’s Celebrate Ability Expo will be held at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre, 4 Little High Street, Boonah on Monday December 3 from 10am to 2pm.

Entry to the expo, which has been funded by a grant from the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, is free.

For more information visit the Carinity Fassifern Community Centre Facebook page or phone 5463 2966.