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http://www.journalreview.com/news/article_1530f9e0-a7f3-11e3-8158-0019bb2963f4.html Tina McGrady tmcgrady@jrpres.com | 0 comments Mayor Todd Barton proclaimed March as Disability Awareness Month in Crawfordsville. In a recent proclamation, the mayor urges everyone in the community “to get to know someone with a disability, recognize ability at work and see what he or she has to offer.” Bob Cook, executive director of Abilities Services, said each day the agency assists individuals with disabilities to live and work in their community. “We advocate for their rights and meaningful involvement in the local community,” he said. “The month of March is designated as Developmental Disability Awareness month so the entire community can recognize the children and adults who are striving to become a greater part of their community through employment, volunteering, education and social activities. At Abilities Services, we believe in the potential of each individual we serve and are happy to be a partner in their success.” Michelle Leonard-Smith, who works as director of administration at ASI, believes Crawfordsville has really embraced the agency’s mission. “Members of the community continue to amaze us as they reach out and include ASI in various ways,” Leonard-Smith said. “We continue to see stereotypes from the past diminish and new relationships being forged. Many local companies partner with us as we assist those with disabilities to find worthwhile careers within our community.” Barton believes through increased awareness of such programs for people with disabilities, the public will better understand the needs and ultimate potential of people with disabilities. “Disability Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to show off the greatness that happens at ASI every day,” said Michelle Struck, director of programming. “We are truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve and you can clearly see it in their smiles.” As part of the month-long awareness campaign, ASI is planning a Copy Cat Cook-off event at 1 p.m. March 19 at its facility at 1237 Concord Road. Celebrity judges, selected by the consumers, will try to guess the original recipes. Several local restaurants have volunteered to donate specialty items for the event.