Jim Garvey Memorial Disability Resources Fair

The vendor fair will take place 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. It includes 20+ nonprofit organizations with information and resources. The first hour of this event is designated a sensory safe hour allowing attendees a more quiet experience and a slower pace connecting to vendors and other caregivers.

Workshops are free, taking place 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.Topics this year include Dementia and Caregiving, Self-Advocacy Training, addressing School Refusal, success stories from a panel of college students and young adults with disabilities, and more! Young kids and teens will be able to participate in fun activities like Adaptive Dance, Music for All ages and a Teen Disability Pride Power Hour. And for the first time, a small wheelchair repair clinic will be available to provide minor repairs.

Attendees should use the church entrance found at the parking lot at 29 Pearl Street, Kingston, NY. This entrance leads directly to the elevator. Free parking is available in the church parking lot and at the Ulster County Parking lot next door.

If you have any questions please contact Roxanne Ferber at RCAL: rferber@rcal.org or 845-331-0541 or Pastor Rebecca at Saint James: kids.saintjames@gmail.com (845) 331-3030.

Accessibility: The church has both a ramp and an elevator. Listening devices (headphones connected to the church’s sound system) will be available during the workshops in the church sanctuary for those who are hard of hearing and ASL interpreters will be available. We will have fidget toys and a quiet location available for anyone who needs a sensory break. Allergy friendly snacks and food options will be available throughout the day. If you have a question about accessibility at Saint James, please contact Pastor Rebecca Leibowitz at kids.saintjames@gmail.com.

We are not able to provide childcare, however, space is available at the back of the sanctuary during the workshops for young children to play or color with your supervision. This is a welcoming environment for parents and their children.

This event is dedicated to the memory of Jim Garvey. Jim was both a beloved member of Saint James United Methodist Church and part of the founding of the RCAL. He was known for his generosity and sense of adventure. Jim could be seen walking throughout Kingston with his guide dog or riding a tandem bicycle with his kids leading the way. His warmth, disability advocacy, and sense of humor continue to inspire us.