Fitness Inclusion Network

The Spina Bifida Association of New York State is having its annual Walk and Roll ADA event this Sunday, July 26th, to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the ADA. The event will be at Cedar Bay Park from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. To learn more and register for the event, click the link https://sbanys.org/event/sbanys-conference-weekend-2026/

Another book about disabilities is called Being Heumann by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner. This book is about Judy and her fight to achieve respect, acceptance, and inclusion in society. To find out more, read the book and/or click the link: https://judithheumann.com/being-heumann/

Today, July 22, is World Fragile X Day. Fragile X is a genetic disorder that occurs when a single gene on the X chromosome shuts down. It affects both sexes. Both boys and girls may have trouble learning to speak, but usually they do become verbal. Some symptoms include intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and more. On World Fragile X Day, lights are shone on buildings to celebrate loved ones with Fragile X.

Another amazing book about disability is called Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd. The 12-year-old main character, named Olive, has osteogenesis imperfecta, known as brittle bone disease. Olive is homeschooled, but wants to go to her local elementary school. Her first day is messed up. To find out more, read the book and/or click the link https://natalielloyd.com/books/hummingbird/

Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally is another great book on disability. Emily Ladau is the author of this book. This book is a guide on how to be an ally to disabled people. It also has steps for what to say and do, what not to do, and how you can make the world more accessible and inclusive. To learn more, read the book and/or click the link https://emilyladau.com/book/

There are many books about people with disabilities and/or authors who have disabilities. One of the many books is called "Disability Visibility," edited by Alice Wong. This book has short stories with the voices of activists, authors, lawyers, politicians, and artists with disabilities. To find out more, read it! It is a good and interesting read.

Syracuse Nationals is the largest in the Northeast! There will be cars from all over the US and Canada at the New York State Fairgrounds. It started this morning, July 16th, and goes through Saturday, July 18th. The hours are from 8am-9pm on Thursday and Friday and 8am-6pm on Saturday. Children 12 and under are free. Adults are $34.66, including tax. To register and find out more, click the link: https://www.syracusenationals.com/

Rosamond Gifford Zoo is having Yoga with the Penguins on Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and July 19th, and Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th, from 8:30-9:45 AM. Bring your own mat and water. It's $30 for each session. Afterwards, there will be a keeper chat. To register, click the link - https://13172.blackbaudhosting.com/13172/Yoga-with-the-Penguins-18Jul2026

The Museum of Science & Technology - MOST is currently doing a poster series to highlight assistive technology in the community. ARISE Adaptive Design was chosen as the organization that the poster highlighted.

Today, Monday, July 13th, is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Awareness Day. It is estimated that 3,000-5,000 people develop GISTs in the US each year. GIST comes in several different forms. Most affect adults, some affect children, and some run in families. GISTs are part of a group of cancers called soft tissue sarcomas. There are many symptoms of GIST including, abdominal discomfort or pain, presence of a palpable abdominal mass, and feeling full. To read more, click the link - https://liferaftgroup.org/understanding-gist/