| New Mobility Cover Photo Features ADA25 Legacy Tour Visit in Buffalo
The Museum disABILITY History hosted the ADA25 Legacy Tour with a celebration in April. Tom Olin, renowned disability rights photographer and director of The Disability Rights Center, visited the Museum and participated in the festivities. We are honored that a photo taken during the celebration has been selected to be featured on the cover of the July 2015 issue of national magazine, New Mobility. Tom, attendees from the event, along with participants from our parent agency, People Inc., appear on the cover. A limited number of these magazines will be available for sale at our Museum in early July.
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|  | David LoTempio, assistant director, People Inc. |
| Museum Receives Funds from Niagara Falls National Heritage Area
The Museum of disABILITY History is thankful to be a recipient of funds recently awarded by the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. On June 15, Congressman Brian Higgins announced several new tourism initiatives in conjunction with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation and City of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster.
Our Museum team is working with the Niagara Falls Public Library to create an interpretive exhibit that immerses visitors in the experiences of Dr. Platt Skinner’s struggle for abolition in Niagara Falls, NY. Dr. Skinner established a school for African-Americans with disabilities in the shadow of the suspension bridge in 1860. The school was located near the current whirlpool bridge, along the east side of Main Street (originally Lewiston Avenue), south of Ontario Street and Colt Block; no remnants of the school remain standing.
Congressman Higgins said: “The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area designation recognizes the natural and historic treasures in Niagara Falls and makes the federal commitment to preserving and promoting this area.”
The exhibit will explore dozens of compelling and persuasive visual images. During the event, remarks were made by David LoTempio, assistant director, People Inc. and grants administrator, Museum of disABILITY History: “Our Museum of disABILITY History is thankful for this opportunity to work with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area to tell the world of the role Niagara Falls has played in the great American experience.”
Learn more here.
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|  | L-R: Doug Platt, Museum of disABILITY History curator and Dave Mack-Hardiman, People Inc. associate vice president. |
| Curator Doug Platt Celebrates 30 Years
Museum of disABILITY History Curator Doug Platt celebrated his 30 year anniversary with People Inc. on June 25. Throughout his career, Doug has assisted individuals with developmental disabilities through various roles within the agency, including program instructor and recreational specialist. He started as our Museum project coordinator in March of 1999, and is currently our curator. Last year, Doug was appointed to the New York State Historical Records Advisory Board, which provides guidance on historical records programs and issues in New York.
An avid fan of history and an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Doug has helped to grow our archives to more than 6,900 items and enhance community awareness about our mission and educational programs.
James M. Boles, EdD, founder of our Museum, said: "I am sure that there would not be a Museum of disABILITY History if it wasn’t for Doug. He took what was basically an idea with no resources and made it into a Museum. His combination of direct care experience and creative artistic background was and is what the Museum needed. He is a rare individual with the necessary talents that came along just when the Museum badly needed them. A big part of this Museum and what it has achieved is due to Doug’s work."
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Lemonade Stand Sales Donated
We had an unexpected and sweet visit last week! Pierson Schwartz, age 7, and his mom Annie, stopped by to donate the proceeds from his lemonade stand that he held during the Buffalo Garden Walk. He made $26, and donated the money to our museum so it could be used to help others. Pierson took photos with our Invacar and Doug Farley, director, and took a tour of our exhibits. Pierson, thank you so much for your kindness and thinking of others!
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| Free Toy with Ivan Book Purchase
Plan your summer reading for your kids and grandkids! Stop by our store to buy one of our books from the “Ivan the Invacar” children’s series. For a limited time and while supplies last, buy any of the four reading or activity books and receive a free plush stuffed animal or Frisbee! This includes in-store and online sales.
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| In the Media: Museum of disABILITY History
Recent news stories or contributions that include the Museum of disABILITY History:
“Disabilities on display:” Article features the Museum of disABILITY History. Forever Young, May 2015.
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| Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Independence Day Celebration
Western New York Independent Living Inc. and their collaborators invite you to participate in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 25th Anniversary Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 26, from 2 p.m. to dusk at Canalside Buffalo (Dart Lawn area).
The ADA will turn 25 on July 26, and a big anniversary deserves a big celebration. The event includes food, vendors, boat rides, yoga, contests and face painting! The Museum will have one of its traveling exhibits on display.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Yvette Lucas at ylucas@wnyil.org.
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Monthly E-publication for friends of the Museum of disABILITY History Produced by the People Inc. Marketing Communications Department Doug Farley, Director, Museum of disABILITY History The Museum of disABILITY History is a project of People Inc.
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