Community invited to walk a mile in others' shoes

A statewide relay titled Walk a Mile in My Shoes began late last month and invites citizens of Kansas to walk, run or roll a route spanning a significant portion of the state.

Volunteers have been recruited to walk, run or roll portions of these routes as well, with a goal of reaching a total of 4,330 miles; one mile for each of the 4,330 children and adults who currently wait on the state's waiting lists for people with developmental disabilities, according to a statement from Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

The statewide relay began in Salina, with volunteers walking, running or rolling a route that will span significant parts of the state and will end in Topeka on Wednesday, April 28, with a walk to the Capitol and rally.

The TVDS statement said the event "is providing countless opportunities for Kansans with developmental disabilities to participate in a fun and important advocacy activity right here at home."

Local residents can participate by attending an event starting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Gunn Park Shelter House No. 5. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a presentation at 11 a.m. and a 74-balloon launch with each balloon representing the 74 individuals and their families in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties who are currently on the state's waiting list for people with developmental disabilities. A barbecue lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

"We have invited the local county commission, the city commission, state and federal representatives and senators all to join in on our Walk a Mile in My Shoes day in Iola, Kansas," TVDS Executive Director Tim Cunningham said. "Citizens who are currently receiving services and the staff who serve them will be walking, as well as citizens who are on the waiting list and their families will be participating, please join us and see what it is like to Walk a Mile in My Shoes."

For more information on the event or how to help, contact TVDS Director of Public Relations and Grants Anna Methvin at (620) 431-7401, extension 229, or e-mail her at amethvin@tvds.org.