The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) got the wheels turning on the annual Wheel-A-Thon fundraising event in 2006 to promote increase awareness of community accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.
In addition to the 1.5-mile walk and roll course along the West Haven waterfront, there is the disability challenge course that tests participants wheelchair agility and navigability.
Hundreds of citizens and people from local business and civic associations take part in CDR’s Wheel-A-Thon for to Benefit Youth with Disabilities every year to help raise thousands of dollars CDR uses to fund some of its programs.
CDR’s Wheel-A-Thon 2011 raised more than $13,450. On average, teams raised $807, up from $565 the year before! The top team fundraiser was Team Karshutay who raised more than $1,650. The money raised went to support:
- Kids As Self Advocates;
- Two academic scholarships for students with disabilities;
- Advocacy with students to improve their education;
- Communication access services for youth with hearing loss involved in peer support programs;
- Facilitation services for youth groups; and
- Center for Disability Rights’ youth transition services
