The Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program hosted its 24th annual DisABILITY Awareness Day on Seskéha/August 7th at the Teionkwarihwaienawá:kon Community Services Building.
The purpose of DisABILITY Awareness Day is to shed light on the challenges faced by our relatives with disabilities and to provide support that enhances their health and well-being. It reminds us of the importance of creating a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone.
The mission of TVR is to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce in a way that is tailored to the individual and mindful of the barriers and impediments posed by the disability. With the help of their caring and compassionate staff, they aim to prepare and engage community members with competitive and meaningful employment.
TVR Program Manager Mary LaFrance shared, "We all know someone in our lives who has a medical diagnosis that makes daily life challenging, and that can include finding or maintaining employment. The purpose of our event is to inform the community that there are resources available, and TVR can help navigate the necessary supports, so that each member of our community who wants to work has the opportunity to thrive through meaningful employment.”
Over 200 people attended DisABILITY Awareness Day to meet and learn from 24 participating programs and agencies on individualized support services that assist individuals with disabilities with finding employment, maintaining their health, and overall wellness. The event offered attendees a chance at winning one of fifty-one door prizes that were donated from local businesses and programs, contributing to the event's overall local economic impact valued at close to $10,000.
A live presentation of “Finding Connection: Uncovering One’s Life Purpose,” with Jonel Beauvais, Community Advocate, TVR Program Manager Mary Lafrance, and TVR Program consumer Patrick Jones, was open to the community and offered insight into the discovery of one’s life’s purpose and the importance of building community connections to overcoming personal challenges.
Niawen’ko:wa to the amazing staff, volunteers, and participating programs, agencies, and presenters that contributed to the success of this year’s DisABILITY Awareness Day. If you are interested in learning more about TVR, please call (518) 358-2276.
