Alleghany Highlands Community Services (AHCS) and the Town of Clifton Forge are joining forces to present the inaugural Developmental Services Awareness Festival on March 23rd, running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature food and craft vendors, entertainers, businesses, medical professionals, local fire departments, and AHCS staff on Church Street, offering planned activities and entertainment for all ages throughout the day. The aim is to raise awareness about developmental disabilities during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a cause established by President Reagan in 1987 to shed light on the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and to provide them with the support and opportunities necessary to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
Local businesses in Clifton Forge will also participate by decorating their storefronts with colors representing different awareness themes for various groups with developmental disabilities. This is the inaugural year of the event, designed to honor individuals with diverse abilities and to challenge misconceptions about developmental or intellectual disabilities.
According to Executive Director, Ingrid Barber, the event’s significance lies in showcasing how people with and without disabilities unite to establish resilient communities, educate the public, celebrate the individuals they serve, and raise awareness about the developmental disability resources accessible to community members. A variety of community organizations, including the YMCA, Special Olympics, Bath Community Hospital, Sharon Elementary School, Clifton Forge School of the Arts, and Living Stones Ministry, will contribute to the event. Attendees can enjoy activities such as balloon animals, face painting, rock painting for the Sensory Trail, and a book signing and reading by Courtney Smith, author of “We are All Average Joes.”
Delicious food will be available for purchase from vendors like Blowing Smoke BBQ, Chris’s Coffee & Custard, and Shriner’s Donuts. The entertainment lineup includes performances by County Mountain Thunder, Garlynda’s Fancy Feet, A1 Studios, Rebels of Rhythm, Fender Benders, and Pop Rockers, catering to a diverse audience. More vendors may be added leading up to the event, offering a glimpse of the exciting activities and offerings attendees can expect.
Ingrid Barber, AHCS’ Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the developmental disabilities awareness event, expressing pride in being part of an agency that unites the community to support individuals and families impacted by developmental disabilities. Awareness plays a vital role in fostering education and strengthening community bonds, according to Barber.
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