Before the world tuned into the 2024 Paris Olympics, our team of professionals in the IndependenceWORKS (IW) program created a way to honor Disability Pride Month in similar fashion with the inaugural IW Olympics.

With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990, Disability Pride Month – celebrated in July every year since – seeks to promote awareness, acceptance, and honor for each person’s uniqueness, differing abilities, and contributions to society.

Led by Abby Frantz, Community Advocacy Manager for IW (our day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities), the week-long event celebrated our clients’ abilities, teamwork, and pride in themselves and others. The aim for the IW Olympics was to empower them to “be BOLD in the pride they have for themselves,” said Abby.

“‘Nothing about us without us’ is a triumphant battle cry of disability advocates. But what if it was all about us?” wondered Abby. “That is the mindset we asked clients to be in during our first-ever IW Olympics in celebration of Disability Pride Month.”

Let The Games Begin

“It was amazing to see how various disabilities tied into our athletic events,” Abby continued. “For example, we found that one of our participants with a visual impairment was great at the egg and spoon race because she is very accustomed to walking carefully and keeping a steady gait. Hank, who struggles with impulse control and hyperactivity related to his disability, makes the perfect shortstop in baseball due to the ability to be so quick on his feet.”

The clients were involved in the process from the beginning, starting with group discussions to gauge what sports they wanted to participate in. They settled on three teams participating in eight sporting events. The closing ceremonies included a water fight in the Giving Garden, ice pops, and gold medals for all.

“I loved it!” said Bhavana, IW client. “My favorite was the water fight, and I think we should have t-shirts next year!” she said.

“My favorite part was that I got to play sports with my friends but also my staff members too!” said Lauren, IW client.

Thank you to Abby and her incredible team of Direct Support Professionals who worked so hard to make the idea of the IW Olympics become a reality. While the games have come to a close, the empowerment and focus on the ability of our clients continues.

To learn more about IndependenceWORKS and our supportive services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, click here. To support the work of JF&CS, click here.