Over 100 turn out for CLI Walk, Wave & Roll despite drizzle

The Center for Living Independently in the CNMI hosted its Walk, Wave & Roll event last March 6 to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, drawing more than 100 participants in a show of support for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth.

The walk began along Quarter Master Road and ended at the Oleai intersection, with participants braving a drizzle as they made their way along the route. Participants included CLI staff, clients, families, and partner agencies.

CLI executive director Susan Satur said the event is meant to remind the community that people with disabilities are active members of society.

“This month is the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it's called the DDAM. So it's like we're trying to get the community aware that we're part of the community, we're people with disabilities, but we're out here and we're part of the community,” Satur said.

Satur said the turnout reflected strong support for the disability community.

“Today was a walk-a-thon; we had over 100 participants come out and show their support to the disability community. We have wheelchairs, we have people walking with a limp, we have regular walkers, and we're riding, walking, and rolling,” she said.

She noted that CLI serves hundreds of individuals across the Commonwealth.

“It’s actually the families, so we have about maybe close to almost 300 consumers or maybe 350. And those are in the home and the ones that come to the center, and we're trying to get them to be independent,” Satur said.

She said activities like the walk help promote visibility and inclusion.

“These are amazing, it brings up support, it shows the community we're out here, and it lets the people with disabilities know that we're counted in the community,” she said.

Satur also thanked partner agencies for supporting the event.

“I want to thank Medicaid for coming out and supporting us, the Developmental Disabilities Council for coming out and supporting us, [Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc.], all of these, we're all part of the disability network partners, and we're all out here educating the community on people with disabilities,” Satur said.

CLI disability service coordinator Tiana Babauta said the walk was part of the nationwide observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

“This is a walk and roll-a-thon for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” Babauta said.

She said participants came from several agencies and groups.

“We have about 30-some registered today, and we have from different agencies, we're really grateful that with CLI that we have Medicaid, NMPASI, [CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities], and some other agencies stopping by, some family members, their children, and our advocates and consumers at the center with [Office of Vocational Rehabilitation],” Babauta said.

She said the event’s message centers on year-round inclusion.

“Everyone is here today to raise awareness for developmental disabilities, and we're doing this because we're here all year, that's the theme for DDAM this year,” Babauta said.

CLI staff member Chris Selepeo said participants were enthusiastic about taking part.

“The participants were really excited for today's event, the walk and roll-athon. We're spreading awareness for developmental people with disabilities,” he said.

Several CLI clients also shared their experiences.

Donna Vergara, 22, said the activity was both fun and beneficial.

“It was really fun. It's a good source of exercise, too,” she said.

Ignacio Leon Guerrero, 23, said the walk was meaningful.

“It was fun, bro. Walking around, and people honking at us,” he said.

“Like, very important, bro,” Leon Guerrero added when asked about events like the walk. “Yes, always, bro. To spread the word that there are people out there who have disabilities that need help.”

Abraham Romero Reyes, 41, said CLI has played an important role in his life.

“I live in CLI, and I had a good life, and helping out my staff, Chris, because he always supported me wherever I go, because he always guided me to do a better life, because sometimes life is tough, but you move forward,” Reyes said.

Steven Sablan, who has been with CLI for three years, said he appreciated the event despite the rainy weather.

“It was okay. It's good,” he said. “Yeah, I'm enjoying it. Even though there was a little rain.”

Sablan also expressed gratitude to those who support him.

“I would like to thank my parents and the CLI staff,” he said. “Viva CLI!”

Jennifer Aldan, 51, also joined the walk.

“Good,” she said when asked about the event. “Yes,” she added when asked if she enjoyed it despite the rain.