Mary McHale often hears people say that people with and without disabilities are more alike than they are different.
They enjoy going to movies, dining out and taking up new hobbies, McHale said.
They just might need a little more assistance in tackling those things.
The Walk and Roll for Disabilities, a fundraiser hosted by the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities, helps to ensure adults with disabilities have some of those opportunities at their fingertips.
This year’s event, in its 20th year, is March 3 at Oakview Mall, 3001 S. 144th St.
“Programs funded by this event really give these individuals a chance to be with their peers and do things their typical peers do,” McHale said.
Money raised at the Walk and Roll goes toward adult programming at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. It helps to fund yoga club, cooking club and other recreational activities.
“The beauty of MMI’s recreational therapy program is that they meet people where they are,” McHale said. “They can be their authentic self and have fun.”
In past years, the event has drawn more than 300 attendees. McHale said they hope to bring in about $40,000 through this year’s event.
This year’s Walk and Roll starts at 9 a.m. with pre-walk and roll festivities that include a photo booth, clowns and face painting.
At about 10 a.m., attendees will hear from MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, as well as honorary advocates Chris Welshinger and Maddie Carlin, and the Marley White family. After the speakers, the crowd will take a lap around the mall.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to get together. It’s a great opportunity for the rec therapy staff to see individuals from rec therapy programs in their natural habitat, with their families,” McHale said.
Registration, which is open now, costs $35 in advance or $40 day of the event. To guarantee a T-shirt, register by Feb. 15.
For more information or to register, visit this link.