Weirton celebrates Disability Independence Day
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WEIRTON - It was a celebration of similarities and difference, and all the ways they can bring people together Saturday, as Weirton held its third-annual Disability Independence Celebration.
Area residents gathered at the Weirton Event Center for an afternoon of games, live entertainment, food, friendship and more, all in observance of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recognizing the contributions of residents of all abilities.
DeeAnn Pulliam, assistant city manager and a member of the committee who organized the city's Disability Independence activities, offered thanks to the committee members and the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network who supported the efforts.
"Without the Brooke-Hancock FRN, this would not be possible," she said.
Melanie Wright, a member of the organizing committee who has an adult child with special needs, thanked the city for offering the opportunity for dozens of individuals to share their abilities and talents while having fun.
"These individuals have had a wonderful week with all of the activities," Wright said.
Those activities included the launch of an art exhibit at the Summit Art Gallery Monday, which will be on display through July 29; a flag football scrimmage Tuesday against representatives of the Weirton police and fire departments played at the Millsop Community Center; a bingo event held Wednesday at the Mary H. Weir Public Library; inclusive swimming at Starvaggi Memorial Pool Thursday; and an inclusive bowling event at Holiday Lanes on Friday.
Saturday's event included a live radio drama performance by Cloak and Dagger On the Air titled "The Road to ADA: Tearing Down the Walls of Exclusion," as well as a showcase by Weirton Christian Center's Signs of Hope sign language choir, guest speakers and recognition of two Special Olympics athletes – Kay Ferrari and Matteo Filipelli - who recently competed in the Special Olympics USA national games held in Minneapolis.
"They were positive. They were great ambassadors," Hancock County Special Olympics coach Randy Albaugh said.
Mayor Dean Harris and state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, also addressed those in attendance, each sharing some of their own experiences and memories of the contributions of those with special needs. Harris noted his mother would provide activities for individuals at the Millsop Community Center, while Weld mentioned his step-father, Tony Filberto, often taught classes for those with different abilities.
Each explained those early experiences taught them the importance of community.
"In Weirton, we're one. We all stand together. We all stand for each other," Harris said.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)