Disability resource fair at Viewmont Mall connects patrons with services

Shoppers at the Viewmont Mall had a chance to connect with disability-focused services and support during a disability resource fair aimed at helping people with disabilities find programs, businesses and opportunities designed to promote independence.

Kieth Williams, a Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee chairperson said, “It helps keep people with disabilities independent and one of the things that we hear, especially where I work at the Center for Independent Living, is a lot of people and organizations don’t know, and families don’t know about the resources and programs that are available to help them. So, that’s a big part of what we’re trying to do today, to get the word out.”

Hosted by Lackawanna County’s Disability Action Committee, the fair included booths from health care providers, companies offering items such as mobility scooters, and organizations and clubs including Voices of Ability, described as a club for people with disabilities to hang out, go on outings and make friends.

“It gets you out of the house, it gets you to meet more friends,” explained Voices of Ability member Cassi Dougherty. “When I joined the group, I met a lot of awesome people, so it’s very important.”

Others came to learn what resources exist in the community.

“It’s interesting because we’re finding out what’s available,” said Joeseph Wallo, who was looking around with his wife. “A lot of the stuff I didn’t even know about, so, you know, kind of just giving us general information”.

The Disability Action Committee works to make Lackawanna County more ADA-compliant and accessible, and members said the effort is also about dignity and ensuring people with disabilities can live fully.

“I think that’s kind of the ongoing need to remove attitudinal barriers and stereotypes, the myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities,” said Williams. “Letting the public know and reinforcing that, hey, we’re just like everybody else we just maybe need some of the supports to do that.”

The committee meets every two months and is open to the public.