StarJam launch new Annual Appeal

StarJam launch new Annual Appeal on International Day of People with Disability

On Thursday 3rd December, StarJam launches a new annual appeal to celebrate and raise awareness of International Day of People with Disability. This special day is celebrated globally and aims to promote the understanding around disability in New Zealand and supports the dignity, rights and well-being of people living with disabilities.

One in five New Zealanders is living with a disability which means 150,000 young people still face considerable barriers to inclusion in their lives. StarJam believes this is something that can be changed and launched their new annual appeal to shine a light on young people living with disabilities and their amazing achievements. StarJam’s Jammers (young people with disabilities) will be performing at Aotea Square on Thursday 3rd December, International Day of People with Disability to showcase their abilities – not disability.

“It’s a great day for communities to come together and recognise people with disability, their families and carers. It is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. StarJam’s vision is that people with disabilities are fully integrated into our communities and lead successful lives. StarJam is reaching more young people every year and helping them to realise their potential”, says Mary Ansell, StarJam CEO.

StarJam has been working with young people with disabilities (Jammers) since 2002. It currently has approximately 450 young people with disabilities participating in musical workshops (singing, dancing, drumming and guitar) in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch each week.

StarJam’s annual appeal invites New Zealanders to help provide more young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in StarJam’s music and performance workshops where they are no longer the minority, can learn new skills and develop self-confidence and self-belief. Young people with disabilities experience respect, equality and inclusion at StarJam.

StarJam’s Patron, internationally acclaimed author and speaker, Dr Libby Weaver is fronting the launch of the annual appeal on 3rd December, “I recognise and value the importance of giving children with special needs the opportunity to shine. International Day of People with Disability is a special day that does just that and provides an opportunity to engage with the public about the importance of inclusion and empowerment of people of all abilities. The fact that one in five New Zealanders are less-abled quite often involves a world of cant’s instead of cans; I love that StarJam is all about bringing the talents of these amazing young people to life and showing the world what they can do instead of focusing on what they cannot do”.

ENDS

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