The San Luis Obispo Community Foundation recently hosted a benefit dinner and awards ceremony honoring 14th Annual “Paul Wolff Accessibility Advocacy Award” recipients. The awards honor an individual, an organization, and a business throughout SLO County that is making a “significant contribution toward breaking down physical, attitudinal, and informational barriers for those with disabilities. These awards honor their exemplary contributions of time, energy, and talent.”
The Individual Award was given to Norma Wightman, a volunteer with the States Parks Department, for taking the initiative to gather information from Access for All to help State Park Docents understand the needs of people with disabilities, as well as informed disabled individuals about the changes made to the trails.
The Business Award was given to the Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center, Inc., the only children’s recreational center in the county that actively structures its activities to create a disability-neutral environment. In 2014, CCG developed inclusive classes where children with disabilities participate alongside non-disabled peers.
The Organization Award was given to Arts for Living, an organization engaging persons with developmental disabilities through inclusion in the arts. The organization’s Music Club is the first music therapy program in SLO County for people with disabilities. Over 50 individuals with disabilities have benefited from the organization’s “Glee Club,” and “Swing for Joy” activities.
“We hope this special event inspired more involvement with AFA including providing support for the Access for All Fund, held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo. The Fund provides a permanent source of funding for Access for All’s mission,” said Janice Fong Wolf, director of grants and programs. For more information or to donate to any fund, see www.cfsloco.org/or call 543-2323. Submitted photo