Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Disabilities in Long Beach

The Citizens' Advisory Commission on Disabilities hosted a celebration in at the Long Beach Convention Center in honor of Disability Awareness Month. St. Mary Medical Center and Community Hospital of Long Beach provided free health screenings. There were also financial advice booths and information from agencies that work wtih people with disabilities, including: DOR, Easter Seals, Veteran's Administration, Social Security Administration, Disability Rights of California, IRS, Harbor Regional Center, Disable Resources Center, Long Beach Mental Health and many more.

Alyson had to the chance to meet many great people. Below are some pictures of those she was able to meet, sign autographs for, and take pictures with.

The United States Health Census Bureau was there. Please make sure you are counted in 2010's census! Click here to fill out the quick form. It's important that the government knows how many people there are with disabilities living in the United States so that we can get the service we need and are deserving of. I was told that children are the most under-counted, so be sure to include everyone in your household!

Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Various programs are carried out throughout the month to highlight the barriers that still need to be addressed and removed.

This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

Alyson with Dora Hogan of the ADA/EEO Compliance office (below).

There was a very special performance by AbilityFirst where they signed to two different songs. It was beautiful!

Alyson with a hopeful potential contestant for Ms. Wheelchair California 2010!

The Ms. Wheelchair California Pageant was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Long Beach for our participation and all that we do for those in the disabled community!