Three Valley Towns Host Disability Pride Month Events With Paralympic Athletes
Two Amherst Paralympians will share their experiences at programs designed for children and families across three Valley towns.
Communities across the Pioneer Valley are hosting events through July to celebrate Disability Pride Month, featuring two Paralympians who will share their athletic experiences with local audiences.
Amherst's Commission for Persons with Disabilities is organizing two events in Amherst, while Northampton and Easthampton are each hosting story times. The programs focus on sports adaptations for people with disabilities.
Tory and Juan Dixon, both Amherst residents and Paralympic competitors, will lead the Amherst programs. Tory is a two-time Paralympic swimmer who earned two bronze medals at the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games and competed again in 1992 Barcelona. She swam competitively with the Western Mass Tigers for 20 years. Juan competed in powerlifting at the 1984 New York Games, earning a silver medal and a gold medal, and also competed in Seoul and Barcelona.
The first Amherst event takes place Thursday, July 16, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Jones Library Children's Room, 101 University Drive. Tory Dixon will join children's librarian Mia Cabana for story time focused on disability and sports, aimed at children up to age 5. A second program for all ages is scheduled Monday, July 20, from 1 to 4:45 p.m. at Mill River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Road. The Dixons will discuss their training and competition experiences, and recreation staff will demonstrate adaptive and sensory swim equipment. An open swim will follow, weather permitting.
Tory currently works at the Stavros Center for Independent Living, and Juan works in the Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services at Holyoke Community College. Both focus on increasing independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Northampton's story time is scheduled Thursday, July 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Forbes Library, 20 West Street, for children ages 3 to 5. Easthampton's event will be held Sunday, July 26, at 1 p.m. at 50 Arrow Gallery, 116 Pleasant Street, 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 questions about the Amherst events, contact Torrese@amherstma.gov.