On January 29, 2025, advocates, families, and organizations gathered at the North Dakota State Capitol for Disability Awareness Day, a significant event aimed at promoting inclusion and advocating for policy changes that impact individuals with disabilities. The event saw a turnout of over 150 registered attendees, with many more joining to engage with lawmakers and share their experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Over 150 attendees participated, including advocates and families.
- Kayla McKeon, the first registered lobbyist with Down Syndrome, highlighted the power of advocacy.
- The event focused on employment opportunities and resources for individuals with disabilities.
- Lawmakers were urged to listen to the needs of the disability community.
A Gathering of Advocates
Disability Awareness Day served as a platform for individuals with disabilities and their families to voice their concerns and aspirations. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, visit informational booths, and discuss pressing issues affecting their daily lives. The atmosphere was charged with energy and determination as advocates shared their stories and sought to influence policy.
Voices of Change
One of the standout speakers at the event was Kayla McKeon, who proudly identified as the first registered lobbyist in the country with Down Syndrome. McKeon expressed her passion for advocacy, stating, "Seeing individuals with so many different disabilities come together to speak to the same Reps is amazing." Her presence underscored the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in legislative discussions.
Roxane Romanick, a disability advocate and mother, emphasized the personal nature of the event, saying, "I have a daughter with a disability, so I am really interested in promoting all the needs that we have to make the community really rock." Romanick’s sentiments echoed the collective desire for lawmakers to hear directly from those affected by disability policies.
Focus on Employment
Employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities were a central theme of the day. Tom Schiwal from the North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation highlighted the importance of helping individuals find and maintain employment. He stated, "We want people to know we can help individuals — from age 14 and up — find and maintain employment."
Organizations present at the event provided valuable resources and information. Shannon Lennie, a crisis coordinator at the Life Skills & Transition Center, shared insights about her organization’s services, while Kimberly Hruby from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services stressed the need for public education on the importance of supporting children with special needs.
A Call to Action
The event concluded with a strong call to action for both advocates and lawmakers. Participants were encouraged to continue advocating for their rights and to ensure that their voices are heard in the legislative process. The message was clear: the disability community will not be an afterthought, and they will continue to push for the changes they deserve.
Disability Awareness Day was not just an event; it was a movement towards greater inclusion and understanding. As advocates left the Capitol, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and determination to effect change in their communities.
Sources
- It’s time to show up for disability rights, Buffalo News.
- Advocates push for policy changes at Disability Awareness Day, KX News.
