New website for DAN (no not that DAN - another one!)

[Guest guest]

For those that don't know what this DAN is:

History of Disability Awareness Night (DAN)

In 2002 Exceptional Parent magazine had a vision� " a vision of a dynamic,

community outreach program that would raise the public’s awareness about the

special needs community. This program, now known as Disability Awareness Night,

or DAN, would enlighten the public by calling attention to the dedication,

perseverance, and the extraordinary accomplishments of people with special needs

and those who care for and support them. And this vital awareness campaign,

designed to touch lives, defeat stigma, and celebrate diversity would happen in

a seemingly unlikely forum� " a baseball stadium. EP hatched a plan to combine a

night at the ballpark� " one of the most favored, nostalgic, and “feel goodâ€

of American pastimes� " with an equally upbeat and positive ceremony that

highlights the vital contributions of some of society’s most historically

marginalized citizens, those with disabilities.

From this innovative vision emerged two inaugural events, both held during the

summer of 2002, one with the New York Yankees and another with the Boston Red

Sox. Hundreds of tickets for each event were donated to local organizations that

were meeting the needs of those with disabilities. Individuals were nominated

and selected to receive the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award

prior to the first pitch at each of these ballparks. These highly successful

events became the model for Disability Awareness Night (DAN) events for years to

come.

Since 2002 hundreds of DAN events have been held across the country at various

sporting venues including Major and Minor League Baseball stadiums and

basketball arenas. In 2007 EP took its first foray into the world of

NASCAR� " one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the U.S. with a fan

base of over 75 million� " with a DAN event at the New Hampshire International

Speedway.

Following successful DAN events in 2003, MassMutual and its SpecialCare Program

became the National Founding Sponsor and DAN events ever since have been made

possible thanks to the funding provided by this Fortune 500 Company with an

equally large heart. MassMutual’s SpecialCare program helps families of

individuals with special needs obtain the best quality of life possible by

creating a life plan� " financial, legal, etc.� " for the future.

With the support of MassMutual, the DAN program has made an enormous impact in

all of the local communities in which events are held. Since the inception of

the DAN program, over 325 individuals and organizations have been recognized for

their contributions to the special needs community. Honorees include those with

disabilities who stand out regionally and/or nationally for their courage in the

face of their personal challenges as well as their advocacy work that often

benefits many in their communities.

Honorees also include notable medical professionals, caregivers, physicians,

scientists, researchers, athletes, business professionals, and military

personnel whose work has a far reaching ripple effect for those with special

needs. These honorees are selected through a nationwide nomination process.

During a pre-event ceremony, honorees are recognized on the field (court or

speedway) as a detailed biography of the individual’s contributions is read

over the public address system for the benefit of the entire crowd. During this

ceremony, the honorees are presented with the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer

Distinguished Service Award. Annually over half a million people attended a DAN

event thus exposing all in attendance to the inspirational stories of these

tremendous people.

Honorees are not the only participants in these fun-filled events. As part of

every DAN event, hundreds of tickets are purchased and donated to local special

needs non-profit organizations. Over the past 8 years, over 75,000 tickets have

been donated to special needs organizations. In many cases, the tickets went to

families who might not otherwise have the financial means to enjoy the thrill

and excitement of a ballgame. For many, DAN events have become highly

anticipated, annual family outings.

Oftentimes, guests become very active, engaged participants in the night’s

festivities. Many individuals or groups with special needs have thrown out a

first pitch, sung the National Anthem or participated in those requisite and, oh

so fun, ballpark games and antics, like racing the team’s mascot around the

bases. These events are so much more than just an award presentation and a

donation of tickets; DAN events highlight the remarkable feats that can be

accomplished in the face of adversity. More importantly, they illustrate that

people with special needs are valued citizens to our communities, states,

nation, and world.

Disability Awareness Night has become a nationwide event and a staple in many

sporting venues across the country. From its humble beginnings with two events,

it has grown to include 40 annual events nationwide. The impact of this event is

felt every time the fans rise in unison to give the honorees a standing ovation.

Also, indicative of the popularity and positive reputation of the event is the

increasing number of sports organizations requesting participation in the

program and the number of people expressing interest in DAN being a part of

their communities� " a sure sign of a dynamic, vibrant program whose vision is

alive and well and ever-growing� " none of which would be possible without the

resolute support of MassMutual and their SpecialCare program.

New website:

http://www.ep-dan.com

2010 event calender

http://www.ep-dan.com/schedule.php

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