Inaugural Disability Pride Fair spreads message: ‘Yes We Can’

“Yes We Can” was the motto for Methuen’s James “Jim” Beagan, who was a powerful advocate for the disabled community and co-hosted an award-winning cable TV show with that name. So when Ashley Gonzalez, project director for Methuen Village assisted living, planned the city’s inaugural Disability Pride Fair, she had Jim in mind and named the fair is in his honor.

Jim passed away last February from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and multiple sclerosis. His family was in attendance at the fair, sharing memories of him.

“I feel like this is one of those most important things I’ve ever done. I feel like I found my voice to help advocate for others,” Gonzalez said. “I had the joy of meeting Jim, who was a founding member of the Commission on Disability. Disability is so diverse and I wanted to show that this is unity, we are a unified voice. This fair is a platform where you can find places for resources like equine therapy, wellness therapy, specialized nursing care and finding help with different resources.”

The Methuen YMCA hosted the July 25 event, attended by over 100 families. The fair offered various resources for the disabled community along with loads of fun events to keep children entertained.

Mayor David “DJ” Beauregard welcomed folks to the fair and thanked Gonzalez and the YMCA for hosting. Fire Chief David Toto and members of MFD brought a fire truck where children could play make-believe; they all received educational coloring books and crayons.

Soon-to-be Acting Police Chief James Moore and members of MPD provided information about the upcoming Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary pre-registration program for autistic drivers which allows a simple transfer of documents should a driver get pulled over, and other personalized information. “Ollie” the comfort dog greeted fair goers with his handler, Police Officer Kayleigh Forgetta. Operation Blue Freeze made an appearance with the Community Police Officers handing out ice cream.

On hand for resources were vendors including Windrush Farm in North Andover which provides equine therapy; ABA Centers of America Autism Care; The Inclusivity Club Inc., an after-school program for children on the autism spectrum; and Waystone Health and Human Services. Thwaites Pies and a taco truck were available for those looking to grab a bite to eat.

Andy Khuong, 10, busted out his best Michael Jackson moves for everyone.
He said, “This was fun and I had a great time. It was excellent!”

Members of Jim Beagan’s family were honored guests at the fair at “Jim’s Hydration Station,” passing out water and sharing cherished memories of Jim.
Shown are (from left) Jim’s brother Kevin Beagan, family friend Vinny Scarpellini, niece Lucy Quirk and Jim’s sister Mariann Quirk.