A Breakdown of the 15th Disability Awareness Day Program at Cumberland County College

Vineland, New Jersey—“You are critical to our community,” said Freeholder Joseph Derella at the introduction of the 15^th Disability Awareness Day Program, Oct. 24th. The program is sponsored by the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission. The Disabled Advisory Council presented the program around 9:45 a.m.

The program was held at the Luciano Conference Center at Cumberland County College from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. But exhibitors were set up since 8 a.m. handing out informational pamphlets. A few stands giving out supplementary information on special assistance were the Easter Seals of New Jersey, Family Medical Equipment, Resources for Independent Living, Inc. and Senior Care of Bridgeton.

The first speaker at the event was Ryan Stevens, a blind representative from the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. “I lost my vision slowly over several years,” said Stevens. He discussed the work the National Federation of the Blind did and the senior’s division for people experiencing vision loss later in life.

Stevens talked about overcoming his obstacles. He uses an automated speech device to do his computer programming work. He emphasized to not be afraid to ask for help because even people with vision ask for help.

“Independence means not feeling trapped,” said Stevens as he neared the end of his speech, urging people to seek out help when needed.

Sen. Jeff Van Drew arrived during Stevens’ speech and gave a few words. He told the audience that him and his team, Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak, support the event and have their future backing. “You can’t give people success, but you can give them opportunities,” said Van Drew before taking a seat.

Marissa Hacker, CEO and founder of Fantastic Friends, was next to the podium. She revealed her motivation to create Fantastic Friends, a social group designed for “young adults, teens and tweens with Special Needs”.

Her brother, Matthew, was diagnosed with autism. Although she said that they were “inseparable since birth,” she felt there was a social gap that needed to be filled with kids with special needs. “I wanted them to feel like they had a family,” said Hacker.

Fantastic Friends earned Hacker a Teen Tikkun Olam Award, which she used toward her education at Stockton University and Fantastic Friends. Though only a sophomore at Stockton, Hacker plans to expand Fantastic Friends nationally. The group had been featured on multiple news outlets.

“There is so much hope for all of us,” said Hacker.

 Matthew Pisarski, from the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission, later discussed the events that they help fund, including the Cumberland Players, Obon Festival, Deerfield Harvest Festival, Puerto Rican Festival and Morristown Art Festival.

He announced a logo contest for the commission that is open to the public.

David Grennon, from the Office of Aging and Disabled, closed the program by listing all the forms in which Cumberland County helps people with special assistance. From the Cumberland Area Transit System to the Universal Service Fund, Grennon covered all assistance provided.

Door prizes were given away at the end of the event.

“Life begins at 80,” said Dotty Cullen, an attendee at the event. She had done her own service work, “I’m in everything,” she said. She was honored at the 111^th Congress with the MetLife Foundation’s 2009 Older Volunteers Enrich America Award. She said that she still holds Christmas events at the Veterans Home.

As people filed out of the room, David Grennon shared that “people don’t know programs and services are out there,” and that “information is really powerful and when we have information we can improve the quality of life”.

When asked how Fantastic Friends has influenced her life, Hacker said “it’s become my life. I’m a more sensitive and loving person”.