TAKOMA PARK, Md., Oct. 20, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Come celebrate "National Disability Awareness Month" at the 7th Annual Working People with Disabilities 2-Mile Walk, which will be held this Sunday, October 23, 2005 from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at Sligo Creek Park and Maple Avenue in Takoma Park, Md. The park is right behind Washington Adventist Hospital, which is located at 7600 Carroll Avenue.
The purpose of this year's Walk is to raise awareness about the vast population of disabled Americans who want to enter the workforce and are seeking training and employment opportunities that suit their talents and abilities. The Walk is led by Creating Opportunities by Recognizing Abilities (CORA, Inc.), a private nonprofit organization that provides telecommuting work opportunities, workplace skill building, job supervision, disability awareness training, and conflict resolution for job seekers with disabilities.
This year's program will feature live music from Hilton, Selton & Manna and the comedy routine of Mother Hunch, a disabled performer who fans will recognize from her frequent appearances on AM Radio 1580. There will be face painting and fun activities for children. Pets, skates, and skate boards are allowed in the park. In addition to the entertainment, there will be guest speakers discussing how they overcame their disabilities and made meaningful contributions to society. Registration for the Walk will begin at 1:00 pm, and is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under are admitted free of charge. Shuttle services from Takoma Metro Station to the park will start at 1:00 pm.
The 2-Mile Walk, which began in 1999, was conceived by Billy Wright, whose life was touched by tragedy in 1986 when he was paralyzed as a result of an automobile accident.
"At every turn, I experienced firsthand the rejection, pity, and ridicule that society places on individuals with disabilities," says Wright, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who now serves as Director of Veterans Initiatives with the Employers Assistance Recruitment Network (EARN). "I chose to dedicate my life to helping the world see the talent, motivation, and opportunity in disabled Americans like me. The Walk has allowed me to do this."
Ilene Morris-Sambur, founder and CEO of CORA, Inc., is just one of many business and civic leaders Wright has inspired to join his crusade to help this overlooked segment of society. While Morris-Sambur sees an unemployment crisis, she also envisions a win-win opportunity for prospective employees and employers.
"Seventy per cent of the estimated 54 million disabled Americans are unemployed," says Morris-Sambur. "Our vision is to identify and increase onshore telecommuting work opportunities for disabled veterans, military spouses, and special needs individuals. These are highly capable, competent, motivated people who can significantly impact society and the economy while enriching their own lives."
For additional information and to register for our WALK please call Billy Wright at 202-422-7778 or E-Mail bwright3810@yahoo.com.