Rise Up Shines in Saturday Gathering

Above, some of those attending Saturday's event.

The second Rise Up, event, organized by Disability Commission member Ali Rheaume, was held at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Saturday. Planned as a one-hour social meet-up “intended to be a safe space for individuals navigating life with disability,” the event drew more than a dozen attendees from age 10 to 60+ and included those with disabilities, family members, and care providers. While not officially associated with the Disability Commission, another member of the Commission was in attendance.

Some of those attending were mutually familiar faces and others were new and excited to learn about the group and opportunities to connect.

Rheaume shared her “resource of the month” which turned out to be the State’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) which has many facilities and resources aimed at the disability community. (Click here to learn more)

Rheaume also invited those present to briefly introduce themselves and share a “favorite food” – an icebreaking activity that fostered lively conversations among those present (favorites ranged from bean sandwiches and cashew butter to cheesecake and sushi).

Sticking to plan, Rheaume also managed to wrap up the meeting promptly at 11

After the event she shared an upcoming event of potential interest to some in attendance, namely, on September 23rd at 9:30am, when the Brain Injury Association of MA is holding a CereBration, which is described as "a statewide event and fundraiser that brings together individuals and teams to support those affected by brain injury, connect brain injury survivors, and provide brain injury awareness."

That event will be held on the Cape, but Rheaume said her team (Embracing Unique x The Well Brain) will be celebrating at the Franklin Sculpture Park. (Click here to learn more and register).

The next Rise Up social hour will take place in October - either the 14th or the 28th, TBD.