TERRE HAUTE — Despite the chill in the air, hundreds of children and adults enjoyed hotdogs and snow cones at an “Old Time County Fair” on Saturday to recognize March as Disability Awareness Month.
The first “Marching Over Barriers” event at the Booker T. Washington Park Community Center drew hundreds of people – young and old – to enjoy free food, games and entertainment, and to learn more about Disability Awareness Month.
Numerous venders provided employment, education and health information for those with disabilities. Attendees were treated to an inspirational speech by Landon Turner, former NBA draft pick. Turner was a talented basketball player for Indiana University from 1978-1981. The All-American, who was paralyzed in an automobile accident in 1981, now tours the country to tell his story of perseverance and triumph.
The event, co-chaired by the Wabash Independent Living and Learning Center, Inc. (the WILL Center) and the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission, featured a balloon release and a proclamation by Mayor Duke Bennett.
Teresa Mager, executive director of the WILL Center, said, “We wanted to partner with somebody to do a big event for Terre Haute, so we … partnered with the Human Relations Commission.”
She added, “We thought that this would be a good opportunity to bring something back to the community.”
Mager said the organizers were very pleased with the turnout, and that the location at the community center was “absolutely perfect.”
Organizers estimated that more than 400 participants would attend.
Jim Wells, 47, of Terre Haute was injured in an accident in 2003 that left him in a wheelchair.
Wells, a student at Ivy Tech Community College, said he heard about the event on the radio and decided to check it out.
“I wanted to see what information I can get for my future,” he said, adding that he is always trying to learn what employment opportunities exist for him.
His backpack full of information, and wearing a big smile, Wells said the event had given him a lot to think about.
Judy Buza, who is disabled, and her son Joseph attended the event just to get out and have a good time, Judy said. The two enjoyed the free snacks and games as well as the entertainment, they said.
Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.kelly@tribstar.com.
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