NILES, Ohio – More than 250 people gathered at Eastwood Mall on Wednesday for a surprise flash mob marking Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The event, organized by Kristie Murphy, community engagement director for Gateways to Better Living, brought together individuals with developmental disabilities, staff members and supporters from more than 10 regional provider organizations.
Participants learned the choreography ahead of time through tutorial videos at their respective programs before assembling in the mall’s main concourse to perform together.
Gateways to Better Living, which has served adults with developmental disabilities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties for more than 50 years, provides day programs and residential services. Murphy said the flash mob was designed to raise awareness, highlight the contributions of people with developmental disabilities and promote inclusion across the Mahoning Valley.