BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — Nearly one in four people living in North Dakota live with a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Definitions of disability range from mobility and cognitive difficulties to general self-care.
And with 42.7% of the population reportedly living in rural areas, their difficulties could be compounded if some people with disabilities lack access to proper care.
But one organisation is looking to turn disability into an ability through the first ever ‘Walk for Walkers and Wheelchair People’ – a walk suitable for everyone, every need and every ability.
Founded in 1980, the Dakota Center for Independent Living is a charitable organization that provides resources to people with disabilities in North Dakota to live fulfilling, independent lives.
“We serve people of all abilities and disabilities,” event coordinator Cathy Job said.
Executive Director Lois Schulze, who serves 18 counties in the state, acknowledged that the organization still struggles to connect with clients with disabilities, especially those who live in remote areas.
To expand its mission, the center launched “Walk for Walkers and Wheelies” to help raise funds for programs such as assistive technology, outreach and minimizing barriers for people with disabilities.
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“We wanted to raise awareness for everyone,” Jobe said.
The walk is funded by 45 sponsors and will take place on July 20th, the anniversary of the month the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990.
But the event isn’t just about making the center’s dreams come true, it’s also about spreading awareness about celebrating all abilities.
“I think it helps people to understand that people with disabilities are just like everyone else,” Schulze says.
The walk will be held at Amvets Post Nine dance hall in Bismarck.
Because walks are indoors and done at your own pace, everyone can join in and enjoy walking in their own way, regardless of whether they have a disability.
The event also includes a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, bake sale, ADA activities and a wellness health fair.
The center asks that attendees make a voluntary donation of $25 to support the center’s goal of showing that disability does not mean a lack of ability.
“I think it helps people to understand that people with disabilities are just like everyone else,” Schulze says.
Registration for the walk begins at 7:30am and lasts for one hour. The walk begins at 9am.