MANSFIELD – Twenty-five people representing businesses, schools and agencies in Richland County experienced first-hand the effects of having a disability at Richland Newhope’s 15th annual Community Awareness Day on Thursday.
Participants in Community Awareness Day came from the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation’s Leadership Unlimited class. The event is just one of several activities marking March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Jane Imbody, Richland Newhope’s director of community relations, said her goal for the participants was to increase their knowledge and understanding of how a disability can impact someone’s life, but also to realize how a person with developmental disabilities can be a valuable community member.
“We want them to see them as a person, and see they have abilities, too,” Imbody said. “We all have ways we contribute to the community, and we all want to be known for our abilities.”
A developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability that manifests before age 22, may be of lifelong duration, and may have a major impact on an individual’s life. People with developmental disabilities may have difficulties with major life activities including language, mobility, learning and independent living.
For two hours on Thursday, participants were paired with individuals served by Newhope as well as a staff member and given tasks to do. The activities took place in several locations, including Richland Newhope Industries’ two locations, Raintree, and Element of Art Studio/Gallery.
Some of the developmental disabilities simulated during Thursday’s activities include cerebral palsy, hearing impairment and vision impairment. To best mimic the signs of these disabilities, participants were required to use a wheelchair, earplugs, or goggles that impaired vision.
Tara Corrigan, director of operations at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, is familiar with working with individuals with disabilities. However, it was her first time putting herself in their shoes.
“It’s different when you’re actually doing it yourself,” she said. “It hits home a little harder.”
Corrigan worked with David Madden of Madden Law, LLC at Element of Art Studio/Gallery to create art projects involving glass bottles and small beads. While simulating vision impairment, Corrigan struggled to see the tiny beads, while Madden had a hard time hearing while simulating hearing impairment.
“I really had to focus on mouths as people were speaking,” Madden said. “This has helped me remember that people have daily struggles, and the struggle doesn’t end. They learn to adapt but nothing is fixed.”
Still, both Madden and Corrigan acknowledged many people with developmental disabilities don’t let their impairments hinder their spirit.
“They are joyous all the time,” Corrigan said. “We can learn a lot from them.”
Dustin Hosler, of Key Bank, sported a pair of goggles to simulate vision impairment. Hosler said while he was able to see bright colors with the goggles, small details like facial features were blurry.
“You definitely rely on your sense of touch a lot more,” he said.
Hosler said he came to Community Awareness Day with an open mind, and left with a greater appreciation of a day in the life of a person with a developmental disability.
“They’re just like anyone else,” Hosler said. “And they’re accepting right away. I don’t think we do that often enough.”
Ultimately, that revelation was Imbody’s goal for the day’s participants.
“Don’t just look at them, because maybe all you will see is the wheelchair,” Imbody said. “Take the time to really see them, and you’ll be able to see past their disabilities.”
