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Erie County recognizes October as Disability Awareness Month

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Wed, Oct 14th 2015 02:45 pm

Activities scheduled to raise awareness include community outreach with county's Auto Bureau

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Executive Director of the Erie County Office for the Disabled Frank Cammarata have announced Erie County's recognition of October as Disability Awareness Month, reminding residents about numerous activities and events scheduled this month to help raise awareness about the disabled and the issues and challenges they face while also celebrating the many contributions people with disabilities make to this community.

"The Erie County Office for the Disabled exists to ensure that anyone with a disability has access to county government through a dedicated advocate who helps develop and enhance services that assist people with disabilities," Poloncarz said. "Erie County is committed to educating the public on important issues such as disability employment, and dedicated the month of October to doing that, as well as celebrating members of our disabled population for their various accomplishments that help to make our community such a great place to live."

"This month we will continue our focus upon the 25th anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act and the positive changes that have occurred due to this legislation," Cammarata said. "Throughout the month, the area service providers have come together to put a greater focus on the continuing needs of people of all abilities, fostering more inclusiveness and respect.

"Twenty percent of our population has a disability, so it is critical to ensure we focus on people's abilities, that we foster more independence, inclusiveness and respect throughout our community."

One of the highlights of Disability Awareness Month in Erie County is a special community outreach event with the Erie County Auto Bureau that will take place Saturday, Oct. 17. Scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the county's Northtown Auto Bureau, 3095 Sheridan Drive, in Amherst, the outreach will be staffed by employees from the Erie County Office for the Disabled and the Erie County Auto Bureau, who will be on hand to assist individuals and their family members obtain state-issued photo identification and address other matters pertaining to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Thanks to all our partners in the disability community who provide outreach and information on specific disabilities," Cammarata said. "This is a wonderful opportunity being provided by Erie County for people with a disability who may not have an ID card to gain access to one in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere."

Attendees are asked to bring their original or a certified copy of their birth certificate and their social security card. A complete list of required documentation to obtain either a driver's license or a non-driver identification card can be found online at www.erie.gov/clerk/autobureau or by calling the Erie County Auto Bureau customer call center at 716-858-7450. Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to attend the Oct. 17 event can call the Erie County Office for the Disabled at 716-858-6215.

For a complete list of the events scheduled to take place this month in recognition of Disability Awareness Month, visit http://www2.erie.gov/ecod/index.php?q=news or call the Erie County Office for the Disabled at 716-858-6233.

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