Citizen Walk About a celebration
Acold rain marking the first day of fall wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd who gathered at city hall for the seventh annual Citizen Walk About on Thursday.
The walk is held annually by the South Region Self Advocacy Network, with help from Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association.
SRSAN’s mission is to teach those with disabilities to advocate for themselves and others.
The theme of this year’s event was “Celebrate who we are and where we come from,” and focused on the positive strides people with disabilities have made since exiting institutions and entering community life.
Sharon Rempel, executive director of the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association, said the event celebrates the rights of people of all abilities.
“Today’s focus is really about celebrating the past, present, and future of the disability rights movement,” she said. “So, we’re walking today in honour of equal rights for people with disabilities. We’re walking to showcase that everyone is an equal citizen.”
Rempel said many of the people involved in the walk have told her they feel pride when they are given the opportunity to show the community what they are capable of.
“They feel excited to be recognized,” she said.
The event began at city hall and features a walk to Galt Gardens, followed by a number of events and activities, including a barbeque and talent show in the park.
Acts included singing, dancing, a comic sketch and art displays. All proceeds will support SRSAN and advocacy initiatives.
One of the goals of the walk is to put forward the idea that people with disabilities are capable and contributing members of society. Rempel said one barrier people with different abilities often face revolves around employment.
“People have varying contributions to bring to their community,” she said. “Some of the really big barriers are attitudes in employment. In tough economic times, or good economic times, it’s really hard for people to be seen as valuable employees.”
She said this belief is being countered with the work done by self-advocates showcasing what they can do as employees, and what they can do as citizens.
Rempel said she hoped people seeing or taking part in the day’s activities think about the positive contributions people with different abilities can bring to the community.
“For the people out there walking in the rain today, I hope it gives them a feeling of empowerment, and that they know even more so that they can speak up for themselves and speak up for what is important for them.”
Follow @ JWSchnarrHerald on Twitter