Fitness Inclusion Network

Do you know about the blue envelope program? It's a program to help law enforcement officers recognize and adapt their approach when they interact with a driver with autism. It also provides the drivers with a tool to reduce anxiety and help them prepare. The envelope should be in an easily accessible and visible location within the vehicle. To learn more about this program, click the link. https://nysheriffs.org/blue-envelope/

As you know, it is Pride Month! Many people who identify as LGBTQIA+ also have a disability. There are an estimated 3-4 million LGBTQIA+ people who live with one or more disabilities. A survey shows that Trans people are significantly more likely to report having a disability due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. If you are interested in learning more, click the link https://glaad.org/disabilities/

Happy Pride Month! Gilbert Baker designed the first LGBT Community flag in 1978 pictured here. There were originally 8 colors: pink (for s*x), red (for life), orange (for healing), yellow (the sun), green (for nature), turquoise (for art & magic), blue (for serenity), and purple (the spirit). The next year, the pink and turquoise stripes were removed because of cost and display considerations.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo is presenting Dreamnight on Friday, June 5th, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Dreamnight started in the Netherlands in 1996. It is an inclusive free educational event evening for children with special healthcare needs and disabilities to enjoy the zoo. Each organization that serves these individuals has tickets. The number of tickets is limited to reduce exposure and overstimulation. Reach out to your agency to receive your ticket today!

The Annual Taste of Syracuse is back on June 5th and 6th from 11 am to 10 pm. It will be in and around Clinton Square in Downtown Syracuse. There will be lots of local food, $2 samples, businesses, music, and more!

The third loan closet in CNY is the Multiple Sclerosis Society Resources. You have to be a client of theirs in order to receive any from the loan closet. This includes wheelchairs, commodes, walkers, crutches, and more. If you are a member, these are free loans with no charge.

The second place for loaning equipment in CNY is the ARISE medical loan closet at ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources. It allows you to borrow and test wheelchairs, walkers, and a variety of other adaptive devices on a short-term basis. This is free of charge for people with disabilities and there are no eligibility requirements. All you have to do is contact them and fill out a simple form. Typically, items are loaned out for 2-4 weeks and sometimes 2-3 months, depending on the circumstances.

In honor of Mobility Awareness Month, we're sharing some ideas for loaning equipment in the CNY area. The first one is the Access CNY TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) Center. They provide short-term equipment loans at no cost. Their mission is to increase access to assistive technology and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and augmentative communication devices.

To learn more, click the link https://www.accesscny.org/services/traid-center-adults/

May is Mobility Awareness Month! It was established by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) in 2012. It promotes awareness, education, and support for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans who want to live active and independent lives. Accessible transportation, vehicle modifications, and adaptive technology are just some examples of the many things that help people with disabilities live their lives.

Sunday, May 24 is Reduce Your Lawn Day. Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be hosting talks throughout the day about non-native plants & invasive plants, pesticides, excess water usage & drainage, biodiversity vs. monoculture, and more!