January 18, 2024 By Idaho CDHD Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day 2024 February 1, 2024 is Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol Building in Boise. Download the flyer Join the Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities on the Rotunda First Floor from 9 am to 1 pm MT for a day of disability awareness. The event is all about raising awareness on issues facing Idahoans with disabilities with state legislators and the wider community. There will be plenty of information and resources, an awards ceremony and the Fred Riggers Disability Day proclamation. You can also sign up for a Capitol tour. ASL and Spanish interpreters will be on-site. We hope to see you there! What is Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day? Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day is observed every year at the beginning of February. It is in recognition of Idaho resident Fred Riggers and his invaluable advocacy work. Fred grew up on a farm in the small North Idaho community of Nezperce. At the age of 56, he was diagnosed with legal blindness. This led to changes in his lifestyle that he found quite challenging, including halting his farming career. After relocating to Boise, Fred decided to enroll in a class to learn how to navigate the world with a cane and to fill his coffee cup. Gaining new skills inspired him to do more with his days. He began to spend time at the Capitol Building in Boise, listening in on legislative hearings and debates. Over time, Fred moved from listening to participating. He spoke to lawmakers on issues that were important to him such as water rights, farming and disability rights. He was a staple at the Capitol, with many lawmakers instantly recognizing him as they walked the halls. For the next 17 years, Fred attended every legislative session he could. He also became an advocate for the Library for the Blind as an appointee in Washington DC. His presence and voice became a valued influence for people in the disability community. Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day celebrates his legacy of work and inspires advocates around the state. It’s also a day to recognize the Idaho disability community while raising awareness about key issues that people with disabilities face.