City of Playford presents Fashion for everyBODY, a runway event displaying inclusive and accessible fashion, showcased by people living with disability in recognition of International Day of People with Disability.

The fun-filled night of entertainment is on Friday 1 December 2023 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth.

Renowned disability advocate and Purple Orange’s Policy and Projects Manager Belle Owen, will take the stage as the night’s emcee, bringing along her experiences with fashion as a physically disabled woman.

The evening’s entertainment will be provided by the talented Triple J Unearthed recruit, Hannah Smedley, who brings a unique perspective to her craft as an autistic recording artist. Her debut songs Pull My Strings and Paranoid are both open-book reflections on her coming-of-age trials and tribulations.

Special guests include human rights activist Khadija Gbla and prominent disability rights lawyer and advocate Natalie Wade from Equality Lawyers.

The runway blends creativity with functionality through adaptive designs, showcasing Australian inclusive designers JAM the Label and The Shapes United, who have generously provided the looks for the show.

Imagine side-fastening t-shirts and pants, sensory sensitive materials, magnetic belt skirts and buckle-overalls with magnetic closures. These creations and many more are designed to simplify dressing for people living with disability, making a bold statement to prove that accessibility doesn't need to compromise style.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said the event unites our community and disability sector representatives, fostering a shared sense of purpose to keep moving towards a more inclusive community.

“I'm pleased to showcase these adaptive designs to empower people living with disability to go out and embrace their own style with dignity,” said Mayor Docherty.

The event also includes the Mayoral Awards for outstanding achievement, which aim to recognise local community members, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses who have played a strong part in supporting the participation of people with disability in the northern Adelaide region.

“Council takes pride in acknowledging local businesses, individuals and groups who are actively implementing changes to make their services more inclusive for all.”

Tickets include light refreshments and these tickets be purchased through Eventbrite at https://celebrationofability23.eventbrite.com.au

Hurry! Tickets are selling fast!

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Gold sponsor – Barkuma.

• General event sponsor - City of Salisbury.

• 360 photo booth provided by Plan Tracker.

• Silver sponsors - My Plan Manager, Feros Care, Lighthouse Disability and Sonder.

• Bronze sponsors - Bendigo Bank and YEPP (Youth Employment Pathways Program).

The City of Playford celebrates the International Day of People with Disability, which falls on Sunday 3 December 2023, through its Celebration of Ability event, held as close to the official day as possible.

The annual event features a different theme and disability-advocacy topic each year. Last year centred around new technology, aiding independence for individuals living with disability. The primary goal is to promote awareness, understanding and the advancement of the full inclusion of people with disability in community life.