City of Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger signed a Proclamation designating March as “Disability Awareness Month” Monday morning and presented the proclamation to Pathfinders Chief Strategy Officer Chris Kaufmann and Pathfinders Chief Development and Marketing Officer Aubrey Eastway. Pathfinders serves 75 individuals locally. 

The proclamation states:

“Whereas, the month of March 2024 has been designated as “Disability Awareness Month” to celebrate and recognize people with disabilities by the Governor of the State of Indiana and,

Whereas, disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals with disabilities to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society and experience fully in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of American society, and 

Whereas, family members, friends and members of the community can play a central role in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities especially when the family and community are provided with necessary support services; and public and private employers are aware of the capabilities of people with disabilities to be engaged in competitive work in inclusive settings; and 

Whereas, the goals of this city and state properly include providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities and support to make informed choices and decisions, live in homes and communities where such individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as humans; purées meaningful and productive lives; contribute to their family, community, State and Nation; have interdependent friendships and relationships with others; and achieve full inclusion in society.

Now, therefore, I, Robert Listenberger, Mayor of Plymouth, do hereby proclaim, March 2024 as Disability Awareness Month throughout the city of Plymouth and encourage all Plymouth residents to observe the month by listening to and learning from our peers living with disabilities.”

Article & photo provided by Jamie Fleury
Staff Writer – Pilot News Group