All Abilities Resource Fair Highlights Services Available In Lake Havasu City

By Elijah Aston

The All Abilities Resource Fair was hosted on Saturday, at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center.

The fair featured resources for people with all abilities forward to raise awareness, with 55 vendors that ranged from Flagstaff, Phoenix and Scottsdale, as well as Lake Havasu City.

Attendees came from a variety of locations, with people coming from Tucson, Anaheim, Calif., Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, Kingman, and even Nebraska. 

Micky Barnhart was there with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, which is a part of the Department of Economic Security. She said,”We support individuals who have autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, down syndrome, and intellectual cognitive disabilities. 

“We’re here today to share information with the community, raise awareness about DDD, and help connect people with resources,” Barnhart said.

Calvary Baptist Church and Milemarkers sponsored the Sensory Room.

The sensory room gave families and caregivers ideas about how they can help their loved ones at home with sensory items such as bubble tubes, a canopy bed, weighted blankets, stepping stones and a sensory sock. 

There also were two massage therapists Sam Carpenter and Nellie Brodeur and a yoga instructor Kristin Ruzcuk with all abilities yoga. Lake Havasu City Fire and Police Departments, as well as Mohave County Sherriffs Department were also on hand to talk about programs for those with disabilities. 

City councilwoman Michele Lin (who was a part of the planning committee) and councilwoman Nancy Campell attended the event, along with Mayor Cal Sheehy, who presented a proclamation for the event.

Lake Havasu Sunrise Rotary member Scott Taylor organized the snack bar with high school volunteers. All snacks were donated by Lake Havasu Sunrise Rotary and Jimmy John’s provided sandwhiches for volunteers at lunchtime. Water bottles were donated by #1Arizona Electric. 

Some notable attendees were Lake Havasu resident and PWC racer, Ryder Bliss, Barrel Racer and Rodeo Queen, Alyssa Tudor from Mohave Valley, and Autism advocate and television star Kaelynn Partlow, from South Carolina. 

Partlow spoke Friday night at Lake Havasu High School and was sponsored by LHUSD. Partlow signed books and took pictures at the event.

There were more than 90 giveaways, with two of the largest prizes donated by Anderson Toyota Powersports and Desert Oasis Spa.

Special thanks to Gems Assisted Living owner Vilma Urbina for providing the backdrops, decorating, and putting together gift baskets for the raffle and also the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center staff. 

Emcees Lonnie Stevenson and Mercedes Kaiser ensured people stayed excited and informed about the event.

The Havasu Building Bridges Ambucs provided volunteers for the event and helped plan it alongside Vijette Saari and Jillian Danielson.

Not Pictured Sponsors: KJJJ Radio, Lorely Burgduff-Mutchler, Terra Dei, Delbert Days Rodeo, and Havasu Balloon Festival.

Here are photos from the All Abilities Fair: