Bendigo Access Employment and PepperGreen Farm kicked off the celebrations early with a barbecue yesterday.

There was also a showcase of classic Holden cars, courtesy of the Bendigo Holden Club.

The celebrations continue at 11am today at the Civic Gardens, with a community festival to launch International Day for People with Disability.

The festival invites people of all abilities to share in the achievements of disabled people and services within the community.

Entertainment will include police band Code One, plus there will be sports, photographs, art displays and much more.

People with a disability and support organisations will use displays to share with the rest of the community what is happening at their workplace.

Scope’s Kaleidscope Exhibition, featuring the work of 25 artists with a disability, officially opens today at Dudley House, Bendigo.

Many of the artworks in the exhibition are themed “See the Person”.

Scope Loddon Mallee regional manager Mary Sullivan said people with a disability were like all Australians, having special talents, passions, abilities and dreams. “Scope is encouraging the community to see the person, not the disability and join with people of all abilities in celebrating the International day,’’ she said.