TOLEDO, Ohio — The city of Toledo will host its first-ever "Disabled and Proud Festival" Saturday, a celebration aimed at embracing community members with disabilities and inviting the public to learn about and enjoy adaptive activities, make connections and more.
The event, which will take place at Levis Square on N. St. Claire Street in downtown Toledo, will include activities and events in an inclusive and welcoming environment, officials said in a press release.
"It's about taking 'disability' outside of the medical context and beyond people feeling uncomfortable," Valerie Fatica, Disability Manager for the city of Toledo said. "It's a moment for us to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and strengths that people with disabilities bring to our community."
Festival activities include an agility dog demonstration from the Ability Center of Greater Toledo and the Metroparks Toledo adaptive tree climbing as well as inclusive resources, face painting, music and a selection of food trucks.
Activities also include a 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament for both youths and adults. Winners of the basketball tournament will have the opportunity to participate in the Adaptive Sports Ohio All-Star game.
Fatica also visited Good Day on WTOL 11, where she described the purpose of the festival.
"We're trying to eat away at the stigma of disability, trying to get it out of the context of something negative or medical or awkward," she said. "One in five people has a disability. So let's take away those barriers and invite everyone together and show that it's just part of our life."
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