Ve:s ‘ac oḍ hemajkam. Piipaa mat chuuwaama walykwnyshmiinymak. “We are all the same”

Eric Schurz Sr. walked with and in support of his daughter, Christina, who has epilepsy, a brain condition that causes seizures. The pair were one of many with glowsticks and bright spirits illuminating the path during this year’s International Day of Acceptance Glow Walk.

“I never really noticed disabilities until it became a way of life for us,” Schurz said at the walking dancing party that occurred January 13 on the outdoor track at the Accelerated Learning Academy. “Once she was diagnosed, we started to notice how many individuals are living with or live with someone who has a disability. We started to see how much it takes to live with a disability.”

Christina said it was important to participate in awareness events like the Glow Walk to bring awareness to a condition that often goes unrecognized and misunderstood.

“You don’t know what others are going through,” she said, “so we should always be mindful of that, and treat others with welcome and acceptance.”

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Recreation Services Adaptive Division hosted the event to promote social acceptance for individuals with disabilities. International Day of Acceptance is celebrated annually on January 20 when communities across the globe advocate for individuals with disabilities, embrace acceptance of all abilities and foster a more inclusive society.

Adaptive services provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in the Community, including monthly activities, quarterly celebrations and summer camp outs. A sensory support room and specialized aquatic, athletic and gaming equipment are also available.

“Everyone has the right to participate and be included,” said Adaptive Recreation Coordinator Ethan Larned.  

Event participants received t-shirts, resources and information about the importance of inclusion.

“Educate yourself on different disabilities, understanding the physical, cognitive, sensory and invisible disabilities,” said Larned. He added that disabilities don’t define individuals. “For anyone seeking resources, Special Needs Resources is a great starting point.”

Larned suggested there are ways to begin creating more inclusive relationships and environments, such as being mindful of specific language/words used and work to dispel common misconceptions. For example, person-first language is important when referring to an individual with a disability. Larned said it’s important not to assume how people with disabilities identify; always ask for preferred terms.

Larned also advocates for raising awareness of invisible disabilities, such as fibromyalgia, and said large-scale inclusion needs to happen in everyday environments, such as sidewalks, playgrounds and public transportation vehicles, which require adjustments that are ADA accessible (Americans with Disability Act). Here in the Community, change is happening, if slowly. For instance, the Adaptive Division hopes to provide an ADA-accessible van as an option for its participants, and Salt River Schools has constructed several new buildings, parking lots and playgrounds with accessibility in mind.

With intentional effort from individuals and communities, a more inclusive world for people with disabilities is possible, Larned said. “Together we can make a difference.”