AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program marked its 25th annual disABILITY Awareness Day on Aug. 5 with the unveiling of a new wheelchair-accessible van to expand transportation services for community members.

More than 175 people attended the event, which featured informational booths staffed by local and regional organizations providing information about services, resources and support programs available to community members.

The van will provide transportation for wheelchair users to medical appointments, job interviews, training opportunities and other employment-related activities.

The vehicle was purchased with funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration through the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services grant program.

The new van is expected to expand transportation services for community members who previously had limited access. Public transportation options with wheelchair accessibility are limited in the North Country, creating a barrier to employment, training and other services.

The TVR program thanked the following businesses and organizations for their donations and support: North Country Small Business Development Center, SRMT A/CDP Prevention Program, Native North American Travelling College, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Indigenous Health, SRMT Child Support Enforcement Unit, Fourth Coast Café, Healthy Way, Violi Agency, Violi Pilates, Disability Rights New York, Butterbee Clothing, Harvest Moon Café, Adirondack Auto Parts, Sweetgrass Café, CAA Management, Hummingbird Gift Shop and Tarbell Management Group.

The TVR program also thanked participating agencies, community partners, businesses, volunteers and attendees who helped with the event.