RESOLUTION NO. 220343

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Honoring Variety KC for over 88 years of service in helping children with developmental disabilities and recognizing Olivia Bloomfield for her accomplishments in becoming The Independent’s 2022 Rising Star.

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WHEREAS, Variety KC is an organization dedicated to providing children with developmental disabilities the adaptive equipment needed for activity and involvement within their community, helping them to gain mobility, freedom, and independence, to attain a better quality of life, because everyone deserves to “Be Active, Be Social, and Belong”; and

WHEREAS, since 2016, Variety KC has worked to create new inclusions that go above and beyond just ADA Guidelines, consisting of inclusive B&B Theatres, the “Think of Me, Keep it Free” campaigns, inclusive playgrounds, inclusive changes to Starlight Theatre, adult changing stations in public restrooms, the world’s first harness café, the nation’s first inclusive KC Zoo, adaptive sports and arts programs, and one of the first inclusive airports “The new KCI”. These areas include sensory devices, communication boards, and travel assistance, which have also been installed throughout the city; and

WHEREAS, Olivia Bloomfield, was recognized as one of The Independent’s 2022 Rising Stars; she has been a student volunteer, a self-advocate and an advocate for others with disabilities alongside Variety KC since she was four years old. She has been involved in a multitude of activities ranging from public speaking to helping design and test sensory and assistive tools; and

WHEREAS, an inclusive city not only creates a stronger, caring community, but one that makes everyone feel like they belong, and Variety KC encourages surrounding cities to follow their lead and strive to be all inclusive for all their citizens; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby display their gratefulness to Variety KC and Olivia Bloomfield for their work in bettering the lives of children with developmental disabilities in the Kansas City area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Olivia Bloomfield, a 2022 Rising Star, and Executive Director Deborah Wiebrecht for all the work Variety KC does to help, assist, and include all children in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Region.

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