On June 25 and 26, Our Ability’s 2013 Journey Along the Erie Canal will make a stop in Spencerport.
This year’s Our Ability Tour begins in Buffalo on June 23 and will make its way east for 17 days, finishing in Albany. Participants will bike, boat, run and walk across the state to raise awareness of the ability inside all people with disabilities, organizers say.
Our Ability’s mission is to mentor, connect and inspire people with disabilities.
Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene says Spencerport and Fairport are “the only two places in Monroe County that they will stop and spend time in.”
According to organizers, each day the group will be joined by people with disabilities, sharing support for one another. Stories will be collected and awareness raised, “all while sharing the beauty of New York State.”
“We are thrilled that the Our Ability Tour will be taking place along the Erie Canal and Erie Canalway Trail this summer,” says Brian Stratton, Canal Corporation Director. “The event will highlight the many opportunities that exist for people of all ages and abilities to experience the scenic beauty and rich history of the canal system”
John Robinson, President and CEO of Our Ability, Inc., who is himself a congenital amputee born without full arms and legs, says one of the most exciting aspects of the journey is the local town involvement. “Our Ability, Inc., expects to be able to bring local disability, church communities and schools along for the ride each day,” he says. “Each evening we also plan to hold a local town hall type meeting so that people can have a forum to talk about their disability or the obstacles they’re trying to overcome.”
In addition to Spencerport, the tour stops in Albion June 24 and 25 and Fairport June 26 and 27.
Meet the travelers
Stop in at the Gazebo in Spencerport June 25 at 6 p.m. Meet the travelers and hear jazz on the canal. At intermission, the Ability Journey participants will talk about their experiences and answer questions.
