Magna children learn about people with disabilities

By Kimberly A . Thomas
News Editor

The Disability Outreach Committee in partnership with Magna FACT hosted a lunch at the Pleasant Green Villa on Saturday for children in need. The lunch was given so that children from Magna families in need could learn about disabilities.
The luncheon started with Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, showing the children what it is like to do simple things in a wheelchair. Some children had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair to get a sense of what it is like to go grocery shopping and pick up change off the floor. After that the children got to meet Panda a deaf search dog. Panda’s owner of 13 years, Jurgen, showed how he gives Panda commands even though he is deaf.
Amanda Owens, a community liaison for the DOC, helped organize the luncheon and expressed that this is one of the many projects the DOC would like to undergo. Owens said that youth programs like this are, “The first step to create some sort of information system for people.” Owens further stated that it is important to have educational opportunities because people with disabilities often feel excluded. Owens feels that educational opportunities should not be limited to children and should branch out to adults to help create an understanding community.
All of the children who attended the luncheon are children on Magna FACT’s Angel Tree at the Magna Post Office. Diana Watson from Magna FACT said that they are still looking for donations for the Magna FACT Sub-for-Santa program. Watson explained that up until Christmas Eve there will still be children coming in who need help this Christmas.
If you would like to helpthese children you can go to the Magna Post Office on 2700 South and sponsor a child through the Angel Tree Program. The lunch provided was donated by Five Buck Pizza of Magna.