Barrier Awareness event challenges perceptions

Lexington, NC –Community members are invited to challenge themselves to walk in the shoes of their neighbors: those with disabilities. For the fourth year, The Arc has partnered with local agencies to offer an opportunity to navigate Lexington as a person with a visual or hearing disability, or a mobility or developmental disability. “It’s difficult to fully appreciate the barriers that exist in our community until we ourselves experience them,” said Executive Director Teresa McKeon. People with lived experience lead small groups simulating one of the four disabilities through Uptown Lexington as well as traveling to a larger department store. Participants then meet at the YMCA for more sensory experiences, led by others such as the Brain Injury Association and Services for the Blind. 

“Previous participants have found the experience to be both life-changing and eye-opening,” added McKeon. The event is rounded out by lunch and a panel of subject matter experts-those who live with a disability. Additional participating agencies include Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Salvation Army, Goodwill Career Connections, Davidson County Transportation, Davidson County Historical Museum, and Vocational Rehabilitation.  The event begins at 8:30am Friday, Oct. 7th at the YMCA, concluding at 1:30pm. The $15 fee covers lunch. 

“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity again this year, and invite people to register through Eventbrite, or call the office for more information,” said McKeon. The link to register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barrier-awareness-day-navigate-your-community-as-a-person-with-a-disability-tickets-398881795187

The Arc of Davidson County, Inc is committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work and play.

For more information, contact The Arc (336.248.2842).