Kearns to host spring DisAbility Awareness Day event

County clerk fosters awareness with auto bureau outreach

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns and the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities will hold a special DisAbility Awareness Day event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Erie County Auto Bureau in the Sheridan Plaza, 2309 Eggert Road, Tonawanda. No appointment is required for this community outreach.

Individuals with disabilities and their families will be able to obtain state-issued picture identification through the Erie County Auto Bureau, and be assisted with other matters pertaining to the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

“March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. As a community, it is our responsibility to raise awareness of the needs and potential of everyone with seen and unseen developmental disabilities,” Kearns said. “My office continues to focus on inclusion and equity when it comes to assisting individuals – with any disability – in obtaining government-issued identification so, when an employment opportunity presents itself, they are prepared with the required ID to accept the job.”

The Erie County Office for People with Disabilities will also be on hand to share information and provide a thorough understanding of how the county can assist with identifying opportunities and services available to all residents who are disabled, and their family members. 

Those who need to coordinate a reasonable accommodation can contact the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities at 716-858-6215.

Individuals interested in obtaining a driver’s license, an enhanced license, REAL ID or a non-driver identification are required to bring the following documents as proof of identification: original or certified copy of birth certificate, and original Social Security card.

A complete checklist of original documents required can be found at erie.gov/clerk/autobureau, or call the Erie County Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.