Joining with the State of Indiana in recognizing March as Disability Awareness Month, the City of Valparaiso is featuring activities and opportunities to make us all better allies. “Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to come together, become more educated and build a more supportive community,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
The initiative is coordinated by the Advisory Human Relations Council’s Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee and community partners. Highlights of Valparaiso’s 2024 Disability Awareness Month include:
1. Disability Awareness Spotlight featuring Team Agar
Team Agar is the inspiring father-son team of Jeff and Johnny Agar. Johnny was born with cerebral palsy and doctors predicted he would never walk. Yet, he and his dad went on to partner in endurance races. Team Agar shares a message of family, faith and courage. This free presentation will be at 6:00 pm on March 20 at the Harre Union Ballroom, Valparaiso University. No ticket or RSVP is necessary.
2. Tenacious Author Reading and Wheelchair Basketball Demonstration with Author and Paralympian Patty Cisneros Prevo
Patty Cisneros Prevo competed in three Paralympic Games, won back-to-back gold medals and served as captain of the 2008 Paralympic gold medal wheelchair basketball team. She is also the writer of Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes.
This free presentation will be at 10:00 am on March 16 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. No ticket or RSVP is necessary and the event includes booths hosted by local nonprofit organizations.
In addition to these events, local organizations are hosting their own discussions surrounding disability awareness and inclusion, including the Valpo Chamber, Porter County Public Library System, Valparaiso Noon and Sunrise Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Club of Valparaiso and more. The City has also shared online resources, including an Ally Toolkit to help us all think more carefully about our interactions with others. Disability Awareness Month is hosted by the City of Valparaiso with support from NIPSCO, HealthLinc, Tonn and Blank Construction, Horizon Bank, PermaGreen Supreme Inc. and the Lyp Family. Visit tinyurl.com/ValpoDAI to learn more and access materials.
