THE contributions disabled people make to the community are being celebrated next week.

International Day of Disabled People is being marked by Basildon Council to promote better understanding of the social and physical barriers disabled people face.

Schools across the district will be hosting their own activities to mark the day, on Thursday, December 3.

Children will learn about disability equality and will also take part in a balloon launch. The class with the balloon that travels the farthest will also win a prize.

Basildon Council is also hosting a dinner in the dark for councillors and officers as well as staff from Ford.

During the meal they will blindfolded, to experience how life is for blind people.

Andrew Baggott, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for community, said: “By marking this day, the council is also encouraging more people to appreciate contributions disabled people are making.”