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Ability Resource Fair - A.R.F.!

Poodles to the left of me. Poodles to the right of me. Gorgeous. Stately. Regal. Elegant. Devoted. As I entered the courtyard at Pasadena City Hall, I saw a sea of dogs with their people. It was a sight to behold. Many were accompanying people in wheelchairs. Some were watching their owners attentively who might be leaning on canes or perhaps a bit unsteady because of balance issues. Others were moving with walkers with their dogs at the alert. All the dogs were doing their jobs.

For the past seven years, Villager Janie Heinrich, CEO and Founder of MobilityDog in Pasadena, has organized this Ability Resource Fair (A.R.F.) to make everyone aware of all the resources out there for people with mobility problems. Perhaps someone may have a spinal cord injury like Janie. Others may have spina bifida or other degenerative diseases that have reduced their mobility. It has become a huge event to celebrate accessibility, empowerment, and functional independence for all!

Once I recovered from the sight of all those beautiful poodles, I noticed four rows of vendors, all with either useful items to offer or relevant organizations to join. Just a sampling: 

• Adaptive automobile equipment 
• Fashionable wheelchairs 
• Wheelchair racer and other sports organizations
• Hand pedal trikes
• Physical therapy
• 3D printed tools

In addition to items for sale, there were games and dancing, a “no limit” rock climbing wall, food and drink to buy, and service dogs teams and training. In fact, there were so many resources, it was hard to take them all in.

Perhaps you are getting the idea. A.R.F. was like a festival with something for everyone. As I watched the faces of people who might not be so used to being accepted, I noticed smiles and laughter. I noticed camaraderie. I noticed pride. And of course I noticed their mobility dogs watching over them carefully.

One of the highlights of the day was a performance by The Rollettes. The Rollettes were four vivacious young women who “danced” in their wheelchairs. Their routines were carefully choreographed and impressive. If it weren’t for them sitting in wheelchairs, you would have thought they were cheerleaders at a Saturday afternoon football game. Their attitudes were admirable, and it was clear that a little encumbrance like a wheelchair wasn’t going to hold them back.

I asked Janie why standard poodles were the dog of choice for her MobilityDog organization and she replied, “They are analytical thinkers, hypoallergenic and I’ve always been in love with standard poodles… Their temperaments are incredible; they are alert and on task; and they love to play.”

Janie went on to say, “The event hosted by MobilityDog is an open, free, inclusive event with just over 1000 attendees… including all the guests and 79 vendors and CandoMusco, Rollettes, Spectrum Dance, Disability Joy Suite, entertainment and volunteers. The disabled community entertained us with music and wheelchair dancing, Zumba and poetry readings. The vendors shared incredible information that lets people go out and live their lives to the fullest. We created a barrier-free event that was inclusive for everyone allowing families and friends to all just interact together and celebrate life.”

The next Ability Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2027, 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Pasadena City Hall Centennial Square. It goes without saying that volunteers are always sought and welcomed. But to just go to the plaza and admire the dogs and the people is reason enough to be there. To know more, contact info@MobilityDog.org.