Ability not Disability – National emergency services conference

This year, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a national emergency services conference.

“Ability not Disability” will take place at our Service HQ in Washington from 10am on Tuesday 3 December. It will be hosted by our Disability Network Group, which supports TWFRS employees with disabilities, long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities.

The event will feature speakers from various emergency services and charities, covering a range of topics including:

• disability hate crime
• ADHD and neurodiversity
• dyslexia and dyspraxia at work
• supporting colleagues with mental health issues
• establishing a disability network group

There will also be a video message from Lee Ridley (better known as Lost Voice Guy from Britain’s Got Talent) and a special performance from the Northern Counties and Blue Light signing and singing choirs.

The conference is open to all emergency services workers.