Living with a disability can be a challenge, but with help from those who care, support can be found all around. That’s the goal of Fremont’s Human Relations Commission and the Friends of Children with Special Needs FCSN. These two organizations, whose goal is to support those with disabilities and their families and create a supportive environment where diversity is respected, created an event that did just that.
The third annual Disability Resource Fair was held on September 22 at the Fremont Downtown Event Center. “The event connects the disability community to resources that can help their special needs loved one,” explained Kelly Ko, FCSN’s program director.
To kick off the event, local officials shared a few words. “We want to make sure we are a great resource where everyone can thrive in Fremont,” said Raj Salwan, Fremont City Council member.
District 24 representative Alex Lee added, “This year we continue to fight for resources for our families here in Fremont. I will continue to do so in the future years to come. Take advantage of the great supportive community that we have.”
The Disability Resource Fair hosted over 40 informational booths with organizations and clubs that support those with disabilities or loved ones with disabilities. A few booths included Joshua’s Gift. “We give support. May that be sharing information, emotional support or even financial,” shared Mizpah Brown-Rich, co-founder and CEO of Joshua’s Gift. According to their website, Joshua’s Gift has worked closely with Fremont Police Department in creating Code Joshua. Code Joshua is an emergency code for first responders to alert them to approaching and assisting individuals with autism or intellectual development disabilities. www.joshuasgift.org
The Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area empowers individuals with autism by offering activities and excursions like attending college football games, going on group hikes and hosting holiday parties. “A majority of our activities are free, but even those that need payment are very affordable. I think the most I’ve ever paid was $30,” share the Autism Society representative. sfautismsociety.org
Fremont Little League was in attendance representing the clubs Challenger Division. The Challenger Division is an inclusive program where players with intellectual or physical challenges are invited to participate in weekly baseball practice and Saturday games from March to June. “We have kids of all ages, up to adults actually, to come and play a few games. If they need a buddy, we provide a buddy to help them during games. But it’s just about being out there and socializing,” explained Steve Sawamura of Fremont Little League. www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/challenger/about-challenger
On the lawn of the Event Center, the Fremont Fire Department gave a demonstration of a firefighter in full protective fire gear. This gave children a chance to understand that the firefighters are not someone to be afraid of while in their large suits, but a safe person to approach for help when needed. Having the fire and police department present was an important part of the Fair. “[Having the fire department present is important because it helps] the disability community become less fearful of first responders and to have the first responders understand and learn how to deal with the disability community in an emergency,” explained Ko.
Although important information and connections were being made, fun was not lacking at the Disability Resource Fair. Carnival games, face painting and music entertained the crowd. The lively music was provided by the Dream Achievers of FCSN. The Dream Achievers is a three-person group of award-winning musicians with autism who have performed internationally.
With close to 500 attendees and 40 booths, the third annual fair has reached many in the community, but Ko is always looking to reach as many people as possible as she looks toward the future of the event. Ko’s goal is “For more people in the disability community to be aware of this event so they can come attend and to increase the attendees coming to the event.”
For more information on Friends of Children with Special Needs, visit fcsn1996.org
