The trip was called the “Journey of Hope,” and Panhandle Special Needs School patrons were all in for a fun bike ride across the country with a group of college students on Thursday, June 13. Members of Pi Kappa Phi, representing several universities across the country, embarked on the “Ability Experience” from Seattle to Washington, D.C., stopping in communities across the country to raise awareness of people with disabilities.
Customers arrived early at the Elks Golf Club, ready to join their fraternity buddies for lunch. The wait was filled with card games, heated games of Yahtzee and camaraderie among customers. The room was filled with laughter and conversation.
“We do this every year,” a customer named Rose told me. “I love it until it gets too noisy.” A customer named Marsha said, “The best thing is that you get out of class, but the teachers come and tell you what to do.” Another said the best thing is hanging out with friends and eating the pulled pork sandwiches, salad and chips they serve, while another said, “I always have the same thing!”
At noon, guests lined up to greet the cyclists as they made their second lap around the Elk entrance, with cheers and high-fives. The Pie Cups, as they were known, were happy to see the guests, and the guests were happy to see them. After a 50-mile bike ride from Coeur d’Alene that morning, not a single person seemed tired. Everyone seemed ready to eat and party.
As well as lunch, the group enjoyed music and dancing from DJ Tyler Smith in the afternoon. He is a PSNI graduate who, thanks to the PSNI’s life skills training and employment service, is able to live independently whilst working full time. “I like all kinds of music and this is a hobby,” he said. “I like seeing people having a good time.”
Officer Christy Morgan said clients all have different backgrounds and ability levels. One client, who had moved away with her family, called the PSNI asking: “Can I come back? There are no services here for people like me.” PSNI officers arranged the details.
Deaf clients who wanted to access classes or employment opportunities were able to do so with the help of American Sign Language interpreters. Some of the clients work in PSNI’s in-house programs, while others work in the community.
“Sandpoint is a great community that supports our programs in many ways, but employment is a big one,” said PSNI Executive Director Trinity Nicholson. “Our clients work in a variety of places, including grocery stores, movie theaters, local restaurants, parks and recreation, landscaping and more.”
Each story they learn along the way reinforces Pi Kappa Phi’s commitment to raising awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities. Panhandle Special Needs, Inc. staff and clients wish these extraordinary young people a safe and enjoyable journey of hope across America. For more information about PSNI, visit www.panhandlespecialneeds.com