Disability Connection

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Archives September 2014

Volunteers Help Veteran Build Ramp

Volunteer Helping
Volunteer Helping

 

Veteran Gets Ramp for Wife
Veteran Gets Ramp for Wife

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – A Navy veteran was moved to tears Monday when volunteers showed up at his home on 36th Street in Gulfport. John Walker desperately needed a wheelchair ramp for his wife, who’s coming home from the hospital in a few days. He didn’t ask for help. But several organizations decided to team-up to get the project rolling. Volunteers unloaded a pile of lumber as they prepared for a project that will take several days.  Mr. John Walker didn’t expect to see the outpouring of support. “Oh, it’s great!” he said with a big smile. His wife of more than 50-years, Kathleen, recently broke her leg. Realizing she needed a wheelchair ramp, the 85-year old man decided to build one himself. “To get her inside easier, and I was even going to put a chain to it to pull it in,” said Walker. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Harrison County (RSVP) heard about Mr. Walker’s situation and contacted Disability Connection. “We came and inspected it and it did not look like it was as safe as it should be. It did not look like it would survive long term, so we agreed to basically start over and give him a fresh brand, new ramp,” said Disability Connection Executive Director Janie O’Keefe. The Home Depot donated the materials. Volunteers, like U.S. Army Specialist Kegan Wood, signed-up to help.  Disability Connection also offers emergency home repairs and home weatherization for veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Veterans get priority. For more information, you can call the organization at (228) 604-4020 or (228) 870-7775.

 

 

2015 Arbor Day RUN/WALK/ROLL SUCCESS

Donations over the run fee can be made to Disability Connection, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation.

to the Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll (If the button is not working in your browser, please try this direct link) ***
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Stay Tuned for Next Event Date

The Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll is a one day event promoting healthy lifestyles to individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities.

This event has 3 goals:

  • to promote health lifestyles
  • to encourage people with disabilities to be active community participants and join the fun of a run
  • to share information on community resources for people with disabilities and the under-served

Those paying the registration fee will wear their t-shirts and meet at the tree at Town Green, Biloxi, to participate in the Arbor Day 5k-1 mile- 1/4 mile Run/Walk/Roll. This event is brought in partnership with the Gulf Coast Running Club, the most respected running club in South Mississippi. The race includes a 1/4 mile challenge so that everyone, including wheelchairs, can participate in the healthful benefits of a run with awards following. Run/Walk/Roll participants receive a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medallion from the City of Biloxi.

The Registration Fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Registration includes a t-shirt and a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medal. Caregiver/volunteers do not need to pay to accompany a walker. TEAMS are encouraged to participate. Contact the Disability Connection office for a TEAM packet. Donations gladly appreciated!

Latest Event Video


 

Paul Smith's Animal Artwork Made with a Typewriter

Hero Artist’s Work Lives On

“Paul Smith, born in 1921 with severe spastic cerebral palsy, learned to use a standard typewriter to create beautiful pictures that from a distance resemble fine pencil or pastel drawings. Paul died in Roseburg, Oregon in 2007.” -Via YouTube

2014 Buddy Walk- National Down Syndrome Society

Buddy Walk 2014
Buddy Walk 2014

Disability Connection loves an all inclusive event!  October 18th, The Buddy Walk®, held by the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society,  is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down Syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join them for their Buddy Walk®!

Click link below for more details!

http://www.gcdss.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month 2014

In Honor of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month,

here are a few related resources that have impressed us!

NSCIA's Free Publications
NSCIA’s Free Publications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Rolls On Inspirational Videos
Life Rolls On Inspirational Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center

 

 

 

 

 

@Spinalinjury on Twitter
            @Spinalinjury on Twitter
LASCI Facebook Page
LASCI Facebook Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shriner's Hospitals Spinal Cord Awareness and Prevention Page
Shriner’s Hospitals Spinal Cord Awareness and Prevention Page