Celebrate Disability Pride Month With Events in Amherst, Northampton, and Easthampton
Estonian athlete Raigo Roots prepares for a lift during the men’s lightweight powerlifting at the 2016 Invictus Games, in Orlando, Fl. Photo: dividshub.net / public domain
Amherst’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities is sponsoring two events in Amherst to commemorate Disability Pride Month. Northampton and Easthampton will also host events. The theme for the Amherst events is sports adaptations for disabilities. Amherst Paralympians Tory and Juan Dixon will share their experiences in two programs: one for children up to age 5 at the Jones Library, and one for all ages at Mill River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Road.
The Jones Library event will run from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16, in the Children’s Room at the temporary Jones location, 101 University Drive. Tory and Juan will join children’s librarian Mia Cabana for a story time focused on a disability-in-sports theme.
The Mill River event will be held Monday, July 20, from 1 to 4:45 p.m. The Dixons will share their experiences training and competing in the Paralympics, and Recreation Department staff members will talk about the adaptive and sensory swim equipment available. An open swim will follow, weather permitting.
Tory Dixon is a two-time Paralympic swimmer who earned two bronze medals at the 1988 Seoul, South Korea, Paralympic Games and also competed in the 1992 Barcelona Games. She swam competitively with the Western Mass Tigers for 20 years, building a career marked by dedication, discipline, and perseverance. Her husband, Juan, was part of the powerlifting team. He also competed in the Seoul and Barcelona Paralympics and earned a silver medal and a gold medal at the 1984 New York Games.
The Dixons have raised three sons, all of whom grew up as athletes in Amherst. Tory continues her commitment to the disability community through her work at the Stavros Center for Independent Living, while Juan works in the Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services at Holyoke Community College. Both strive to help increase the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.
Northampton will host a story time at Forbes Library, 20 West St., from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16, for children ages 3 to 5. Easthampton’s story time will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at 50 Arrow Gallery, 116 Pleasant St., Suite 136.
All venues are wheelchair accessible. Attendees are asked to avoid wearing scented products and are encouraged to wear masks to help create an accessible environment for all.
For questions or more information on the Amherst events, contact Torrese@amherstma.gov.