Every day, millions of people across the world wake up in the morning and begin routines that started years ago. They bathe, brush their teeth, wash their faces, watch the morning news, read the morning paper, drink coffee, listen to the radio and converse with their families, amongst other things.
While a large portion of the population has been afforded the ability to do these tasks, there is another portion of the population whose morning routines differ. On Oct. 6, local residents will have a chance to experience what life is like for those whose routines are different from theirs. The Arc of Davidson County will host the first Barrier Awareness Day. The purpose of the day is to allow citizens who don’t have disabilities a chance to navigate through life as someone who does in hopes of gaining a better understanding.
The idea for the event was birthed when Teresa McKeon, executive director of The Arc of Davidson County, attended a similar function in Winston-Salem that was hosted by the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities.
“I was involved in a sensitivity training,” recalled McKeon. “I remember thinking, ‘Can we not bring this type of event to Lexington?’ It was very eye opening, and I begin thinking about our residents. Are our environments fully accessible? Are they welcoming to everyone? What reasonable accommodations can be made?”
Upon returning from the event, McKeon approached the city’s Human Relations Commission with her idea and concerns.
“I wanted to know how easy it is to access businesses in the community.”
Since 1964, The Arc of Davidson County has been providing support and resources to people with disabilities. Its mission of being committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work and play is a driving force behind this first-time event.
“The Arc was founded on advocacy,” noted McKeon.
After securing support from the Human Relations Commission, McKeon approached other agencies in the community, many which have agreed to partner with The Arc to provide assistance and increase awareness. These agencies include: The Adaptables, members of the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities, Goodwill Career Connections, Davidson County Health Department, Davidson County Transportation, Lexington Medical Center, Division of Services for the Blind, N.C. Adaptive Technology Program and United Way of Davidson County.
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the J. Smith Young YMCA, located at 119 W. Third Ave. There are two options for those who want to attend: participants can choose to experience a barrier through simulation or assist those who are participating. The barrier simulations include visual, hearing and mobility impairments. From 9-11 a.m., the small groups of community shareholders will be taken to various businesses throughout the city. Here, they will get to experience first-hand what it is like for members of the community who live with these disabilities daily.
When participants return to the YMCA, they will have an opportunity to take part in additional simulations which will help them expand their understanding of what it’s like to live with a barrier. During lunch, the group will hear a presentation by a young man who has been diagnosed with autism.
“He is amazing,” said McKeon.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, which allows the event to be a perfect jump start for discussions regarding how business can accommodate all citizens.
“We want them to examine their own environment. Often, assumptions are made regarding those with disabilities. We want businesses to be welcoming and sensitive to their needs,” said McKeon.
Anyone who is interested in participating has until Sept. 25 to sign up. This can be done on The Arc’s Facebook page or on its website at www.arcdavidson.org . Registration is $10 and includes lunch. At the time of registration, participants will indicate which disability they would like to experience. McKeon is hopeful that those who are routinely involved with decision making across the community will participate.
“I would love to have people from the city, commissioners, schools and local businesses partake.”
Ultimately, McKeon is optimistic that the event will shed light on the needs of those with disabilities. She sees the demand for businesses and communities to be inclusive as more prevalent than ever.
“We want everyone to have equal opportunities in the community regardless of their lives. This is a time for people to examine themselves. It’s been more than 25 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. We’ve made some progress, but there is still much to be made. Prejudices and stereotypes still exist. We hope this day will start more conversations as to how we eliminate these barriers.”
Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart is a freelance writer.
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