KIRKSVILLE, MO --  

Today the Kirksville Shrine Club was hopping with people from all walks of life.

More than 100 community members attended the first ever "Celebrating Our Abilities” Day. It was a chance for people with or without disabilities to learn about the independent living services Kirksville has to offer.

“People that don't have a disability learn a little bit about how people with disabilities can achieve more. I mean, that's what the whole focus of this disability awareness day is, about people and their achievements, that people with disabilities can get out and get jobs and things,” said Chuck Comstock, a speaker at the event.
    
Comstock says conferences like these help people with disabilities become better advocates for themselves and the community.

Local advocates for the disability field say people should get out there and learn how local agencies can help them.
 
“Get out there and do all you can to learn about them and come to RAIL,, that way you can learn about the services. Give them a call and they can set you up with what you need, just get out into the community and take advantage of all the opportunities, don't just sit at home and wish you could do things, just get out there and do it,” said Ruth Carter.