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The Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network and its Disability Acceptance Coalition are teaming up with Easterseals Rehabilitation Center to throw an inclusive pool party Thursday at Starvaggi Memorial Pool in Weirton.
The event caters to families and individuals who are part of the disability community for an evening of swimming, splashing, and celebration.
This is the second year the BHFRN is throwing the event, and executive director, Janna Gordon, says she encourages all different types of community members to attend and show their support.
"We urge families with children of all ages, children all the way up to adults, and anyone that has some kind of disability to come," she said. "We allow anybody to come; it doesn't have to be limited to folks who have a disability of any kind, but we are trying to make it a safe place for folks who do have disabilities."
The pool party is part of the BHFRN's effort to stack each month's calendar with informational resources and inclusive community events for area residents to attend. Gordon also says she hopes this event acts as a way to garner more members and support of the BHFRN's Disability Acceptance Coalition, which aims to support, educate and provide socialization to Northern Panhandle West Virginians living with disabilities.
"We have meetings and haven't gotten a whole lot of attendance at those, so I'd like to get more voices to come and give us opinions on what other activities they would like to see and really build that network," she said.
The pool party has reserved the entire pool and splash pad for attendees and will provide complimentary pizza and drinks.
Gordon says this event in particular provides individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun in a judgment-free space.
"I think that sometimes families who have children with disabilities are nervous to do things like go to a pool because they think that people are going to look at them or that they will stand out in some way," she said. "I think that it's important to provide safe spaces so your child can be exactly who they are."
Members of the BHFRN's Northern Panhandle Parents as Teachers Program will also be in attendance to conduct their annual graduation ceremony for children preparing to enter kindergarten.
Easterseals Marketing Director Betsy Bethel-McFarland encouraged residents of the Wheeling area to support the Disability Acceptance Coalition with their attendance.
"We support and celebrate local events designed to include people with disabilities of any and all kinds," she said. "We certainly hope our clients and their families will take advantage of this awesome opportunity provided by the Disability Acceptance Coalition, and we encourage everyone to learn more about the wonderful Parents as Teachers program."
Families who are interested in attending must RSVP by today by calling the BHFRN at 304-748-7750, ext. 1013.