Twenty-one outstanding finalists have been shortlisted for the upcoming 2011 National Disability Awards in recognition of their contributions to the disability sector.

The finalists were selected from more than 200 nominations. Among them are advocates, property developers, builders, educators, business people and for the first time, health and wellbeing providers who have created equal access for people with disability.

The recipients will be announced at the National Disability Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Parliament House in Canberra.

The awards are a prelude to International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on December 3.

IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. The day also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of the integration of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

It brings together individuals, businesses, community organisations, and governments from every corner of the world to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions, skills and achievements of people with disability.

Each year the UN announces a theme for the day and the theme for 2011 is: ‘Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development’.

Last year over 600 events were held across the country to celebrate IDPwD and the incredible contributions that people with disability make to the Australian community.

For a full list of events in NSW to celebrate IDPwD go to:

http://www.idpwd.com.au/events/

You will find everything from disabled surfing challenges, dance parties, art shows, ‘Don’t Dis my Ability’ breakfasts, Festivals of Ability, ‘Rockability’ concerts, advocacy cocktail parties, variety showcases, wheelchair sports days, come-and-try sports days, arts and crafts festivals and everything in-between.

The 2011 finalists in the National Disability Awards are:

Business Award – recognises organisations that have improved access to employment, or created increased employment opportunities for people with disability.

• Alcoa Aluminium Smelter – Point Henry, Geelong, VIC
• Woolworths Ltd, Baulkham Hills, NSW
• Ai-Media, Macquarie Park, NSW

Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award – recognises people who have advanced the rights of people with disability over a prolonged period of time.

• Frank Hall-Bentick, Richmond, VIC
• Marelle Thornton AM, Sydney, NSW
• Michael Simpson, Enfield, NSW

Young Disability Challenge Award – recognises young people aged 12-25 years who have advanced the rights of people disability.

• Katrina Lancaster, Parramatta, NSW
• Elisha Bramhall, Glenlee, QLD
• Peter Hall, Ocean Reef, WA

Local Government Award – recognises work in a community that provides opportunities for full inclusion of people with disability.

• Mandurah City Council, Mandurah, WA
• Lismore City Council, Lismore, NSW
• City of Canada Bay Council, Drummoyne, NSW

Social Inclusion Award – recognises schools, universities, employment and training providers, and advocacy services that have enabled equal participation of people with disability in a range of areas in life.

• Technical Aid to the Disabled (ACT) Incorporated, Holder, ACT
• BRACE Education Training Employment, Ballarat West, VIC
• Personalised Lifestyle Assistance, Boronia, VIC

Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award – recognises work by developers, builders and others in the building sector to create accessible buildings or facilities for people with disability.

• Housing Choices Australia, Melbourne, VIC
• Travability, Cardinia, VIC
• Touched By Olivia Foundation, Drummoyne, NSW

Health and Wellbeing Award – recognises health and wellbeing services that are creating equal access for people with disability.

• Parks Victoria, Melbourne, VIC
• Growing Towards Wellness Pty Ltd, Hilton, WA
• City of Bayswater, Morley, WA

The National Disability Awards will be followed by celebrations to promote International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

For more information about the awards, or about IDPwD, go to

http://www.idpwd.com.au/ministermessage/

More information on the UN theme can be found on the UN website.