It’s not often we witness masses of proud parents gathering together to champion support for their children, but IUSD’s fourth Annual Abilities Awareness Event on April 23 celebrated unity within our disability community.
In the vicinity of Cadence Park School, fidget toys and Home Depot bird feeder kits dwelled in the background of interactive dance games opening the dance floor to all. From organization stands such as CA Autism Professional Training and Information to local community partners, the event, planned by IUSD’s Special Education Community Advisory Committee in partnership with the all-abilities community center Studio D, exhibited support resources for both parents and children.
“It’s out there to let people know that how we move within our physical space isn’t exactly the same as another person,” vice chair Heena Shah said. “What this represents is being okay with your own body and with your own disability and not being ashamed by that.”
The Special Education Department, led by Executive Director of Special Education Jennifer O’Malley and a community advisory council of more than 45 people, coordinated for more than eight months to make this event successful, with every parent volunteering behind the stands to help pave the way for its success.
“We don’t just work with a specific disability, we agree with all disabilities,” Shah said. “I’m creating this for my son, all of these parents back here are creating the future they want to see for their son or for their daughter.”
This year, the department reached out to Segerstrom Center for the Arts along with DJ music and booths. IUSD hoped to focus on family bonding unlike previous years, where there were a myriad of awareness events and little time for families to spend time together.
“We really want to get information out there, really elevating the voices of autistic people,” CAPTAIN regional lead Nicola Saltzman said. “As the people who have been working on their skills and supporting, learning from their experiences, that’s been a new part of our mission.”
In recognition of April as it accompanies Autism Awareness Month, students, parents and educators can access more resources and support this event’s mission at https://iusd.org/2021-22-safety-and-planning-guide/special-education-resources.
“We always are interested in educating people and helping people understand the importance of supporting our students with disabilities in the district,” O’Malley said. “Not recognizing our differences, but recognizing how we’re one as a community.”
