Dover, Delaware – The YMCA of Delaware and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) are excited to host the inaugural Disability History and Awareness Month (DHAM) resource fair on October 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dover YMCA. This collaborative event was designed to encourage Delawareans to learn more about disability resources and the contributions of people with disabilities to our communities.
The theme for this year’s fair is Same Dreams; Different Abilities. A special presentation on voting accessibility and voting rights for persons with disabilities will be made by Joann Kingsley from the Disabilities Law Program. The fair is open to the community and attendance is free. Additionally, various agency representatives, community leaders, and local legislators will be in attendance.
“The YMCA of Delaware is committed to providing an environment where people from all backgrounds and with various abilities feel included and have a sense of belonging,” said YMCA of Delaware President & CEO Jarrett Royster. “We are excited to partner with the GACEC to help shed light on the challenges many of our friends and neighbors with diverse abilities face. Together we can create the change needed to become more inclusive across our state.”
“The YMCA attracts individuals from all walks of life and provides opportunities and activities for people with varying needs,” said Kathie Cherry with the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens. “We are excited to collaborate with the YMCA on this event and look forward to sharing information with the public on available resources as well as the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our society.”
WHO:
- YMCA of Delaware
- Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens
- Special Olympics Delaware
- Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
- Independent Resources Inc
- Autism Delaware
- Epic Delaware
WHAT:
GACEC & YMCA of Delaware Resource Fair
WHEN:
October 24, 2023
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Dover YMCA
1137 S. State St.
Dover, DE 19904
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
About the Governor’s Advisory Council For Exceptional Citizens
The Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) serves as an advisory and review board for policies, procedures and practices related to the delivery of services for all residents with exceptionalities or disabilities in Delaware from birth to death. The GACEC also serves as the state advisory panel for agencies providing educational services and programs to children (birth through age 26) in Delaware through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and educates Delawareans on issues and services related to children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities.
The statewide program is centrally located and holds its meetings in Dover in a hybrid format.
The GACEC is dedicated to advising and providing recommendations for systemic change activities that allow individuals with disabilities and their families to have input into the design and provision of needed community services including individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, and productivity through culturally competent programs.
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