Don't rain on their parade; Annual celebration of Americans with Disabilities Act a success despite downpour

July 29--LOWVILLE -- The 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was celebrated at the Forest Park Pavilion Wednesday evening. The event featured a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, balloon animals, face painting, children's games, local agencies, plenty of free food and a band.

Aileen Martin,executive director of the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living, says she knows how worthy the ADA is of celebration.

"It's important to celebrate the law that says disabled people have the same rights as everyone else. We celebrate that they have freedoms and can be fully integrated into the community," she said.

Mrs. Martin said she recognizes disabled persons as assets to a community and is proud that NRCIL is as active as it is in Lewis County.

"People with disabilities have so many gifts to bring to a community. They're some of the smartest, funniest, kindest people and can add to the community just as much as a college graduate can add; that sort of engagement is so important to an area," she said.

Becky Schneider, family and peer advocate and respite coordinator for NRCIL, has been planning the annual event for months, and was so dedicated to its success, she was cooking hot dogs in the cold, pouring rain with a smile on her face. The celebration usually brings in around 300 folks.

"It's important to support people with disabilities because you never know if the person next to you has a disability or not," she said. "The saying we like here at NRCIL is, 'Nothing for you without you.'"

Two "Barrier Buster" awards were presented at the event for local businesses that have displayed dedication to helping people with disabilities. Patrick O'Brien from the Lowville Town Hall Theater was awarded one for his continued support at NRCIL events throughout the year, and Todd Lighthall from the Oswegatchie Educational Center was honored for the Oswegatchie camp handicap-accessible cabin he included.

The night gave prizes, food, music and a proper celebration for the Americans with Disabilities Act that empowers so many in our community.

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