2011 is hours from closure, and for Richmond, a great year for outreach to the disability community.
Richmond has a heart for the disabled community, and in 2011 they stepped up to the challenge and educated, entertained and raised funds to find cures:
A.R.T. is a groundbreaking, award-winning program that has created tools and techniques to bring perfect control of the art-making process to those with severe physical challenges.
Cystic Fibrosis “Great Strides: Largest national fund-raising event: Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide).
Down Syndrome: Ms. Wheelchair Virgina - Emily McGrail, Ms. Wheelchair VA 2011 made a special appearance at the 5th Annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K and Family Festival.
MS Walk 2011: In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people.
Richmond Hope Foundation: “Lose the Training Wheels” is an amazing program that teaches children with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle.
Special Olympics Virginia Golf Tournament: Special Olympics Virginia is a year round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Sportable Virginia Paralympics Experience: “Individuals with physical disabilities have the same innate desire to compete in sports and recreation programs—we exist to facilitate those opportunities and assist them in breaking down barriers—both environmental and attitudinal—one sport at a time!” Kristen Lessig, Executive Director and Co-Founder Sportable.
The Arc National Convention: Sessions included ABC Behavior Communicates, Peer-Advocacy for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Understanding SSI, SSDI & Work Incentives, Self-Determination: It’s Never Too Early to Start, Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program etc. Plus, a special showing of Autism 100 Cities One Night for Autism.
Virginia Victory Games: Participants of the 31st Annual Virginia Victory Games took home more than the gold medals on Saturday; they took home higher self-esteem and confidence.
Disability advocacy is alive and well in our community. These advocates are dedicated to delivering quality services:
Alzheimer’s Association
Arthritis Foundation
Autism Foundation
CCT Charitable Trust
Comfort Zone Camp
Commonwealth Community Trust
Connections Fair
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Diabetes Foundation
Down Syndrome of Greater Richmond
Dyslexia Association
Epilepsy Foundation
Greater Richmond ARC
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Healing Power of Light
Healing Sounds Music Therapy
Miracle League of Richmond
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Positive Vibe Cafe
Ride-a-Way of Richmond
Richmond Hope Foundation
Richmond Home Foundation
Senior Connections
Sheltering Arms
SMA Gene Therapy
Special Olympics
Speech Connections
Sportable
The Arc of Virginia
Virginia Department of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Virginia Victory Games
Virginia Voice
YMCA
And many more resources and events at available at www.examiner.com/disability-in-richmond/nancy-carey
2011 closes with knowledge of the valuable resources Richmond has to offer the disability community.
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