THIS year DisABILITY Action week is focussing on the 'ability' in disability.

All the action kicked off today, and runs through until Tuesday, September 20.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said a DisABILITY Action Week committee had been working hard for several months to organise the week of activities in the region.

"The committee has broad community representation across Southern Downs services in Stanthorpe and Warwick, and is led by Southern Downs Regional Council," Cr Dobie said.

"Everyone involved has contributed great ideas and the result is yet another fabulous program of events and activities."

This year's program will kick-off with on September 9, with Granite Belt Support Services' sepcial event, 21 years of Celebrating Ability.

"This event marks a tremendous milestone for Stanthorpe, having celebrated and focussed on 'ABILITY' in the community for 21 years; something they and the community should be extremely proud of," Cr Dobie said.

Regular events such as the Buddy Up Golf Day, River Walk, Sharyn Rowen Memorial Walk, Indoor Bowls and Shimmy Shimmy Shake are back, and will accompany new events like the Community Choir Concert, Sportsability and Family Fun Day.

The mayor also highlighted that one in five Queenslanders has a disability of some kind, and disability touches the lives of most Queenslanders in some way.

"DisABILITY Action Week is aimed at empowering people with a disability, so it's an important celebration" Cr Dobie said.

"It's also about raising awareness of disability issues, encouraging positive attitudes towards people with a disability, and improving access and inclusion of people with a disability throughout the wider community."

See above for the full calendar of events.

"We all have a role in creating a truly welcoming and inclusive community, from businesses and government to community organisations and individuals.

"We ask everyone to take part in DisABILITY Action Week and show their support.

"This is a time for all residents to come together as a community to recognise everyone's abilities," encouraged the Mayor.

The calendar of events and activities for DisABILITY Action Week is available on Council's website at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au. Please contact the event organisers for details about how you can be involved.