March is Disabilities Awareness Month

March 06--March is designated as Disabilities Awareness Month. The theme for this year is "Love is Where You Live."

Disabilities Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder on the importance and need to treat everyone equal regardless of their mental or physical abilities.

The Rush County ARC chapter was formed in 1972 and since that time has been proactive in assisting those with special challenges in the community in a variety of ways:

- Secured pre-school facilities in its early formation.

- Began a sheltered workshop locally in Julian Street.

- Purchased property on Conrad Harcourt Way (Shares).

- Been an advocate to cease busing students with special needs to out of town facilities.

- Financially supported the Rushville City Parks Department with handicapped accessible pathways and playground equipment.

- Supported local Special Olympians.

- Provided much needed supplies to teachers and instructors of special needs students.

According to local ARC president Lisa Wagoner, these are just a few of the ways the local chapter has had an impact on the community and the lives of individuals.

She continued by saying that members are passionate about their mission statement: "To promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime."

During the year, the organization host a couple of fundraisers as a means to generate necessary funds for projects designed to benefit the community.

"Our small membership prevents the association from providing direct services, but it still has a strong name and respect in the community. We will continue to help make Rushville and Rush County handicapped accessible and will also be there to advocate for those developmentally disabled of all ages," Wagoner said.

To become a member of ARC of Rush County or to donate time or funding, Wagoner can be contacted at (765) 663-2444, vice-president Jan Hornaday can be contacted at (765) 561-3108. ARC can also be reached at P.O. Box 44, Rushville, and IN. 46173.

Contact: Frank Denzler @ 765.932.2222 x106.

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