The 3rd annual Over the Edge event, hosted by The Disability Network, took place at the Durant Luxury Apartments in Downtown Flint, Michigan on August 21, 2021. The event was organized in order to raise awareness about The Disability Network, as well as to raise money. Amputees, and other participants who raised $500 in donations, rappelled to the ground from the top of the Durant Luxury Apartments to demonstrate what they were capable of. Along with being a fundraiser and a way to spread The Disability Network’s mission, the event is a metaphor that compares going over the edge of a tall building, in order to rappel down it, to the life of an amputee who is constantly pushing themselves "over the edge" in their everyday life. "The first over the edge was my step off a curb, keeping my balance, [and] not falling down—and stepping up stairs, that's another over the edge," said Scott McDowell, a Technician at Bremer Prosthetics of Flint, who is a double lower-limb amputee. "You're constantly pushing yourself over the edge to do things that don't feel comfortable." By showcasing the event in such a dramatic way, as people rappel from a tall building in downtown Flint, The Disability Network was able to meet their goal to raise money, gathering $55,600.00 in donations, with donations coming from different sources, individuals, and organizations. “We want it to be so inclusive that anybody can participate,” said Joel, who helped organize Over the Edge 2021. “We want people to know that this is what The Disability Network stands for.”The Disability Network wants people to think: “Here’s where I can go because my brother’s in a wheelchair; here’s where I can go because my sister’s not very ambulatory.” Joel went on to say, “We’re a clearing house for those kinds of folks, and if anything, this event shows people that we exist.”Over the Edge was a great success in 2021, and if you missed your chance to go over the edge with The Disability Network this year, the event occurs annually, so there’s still a chance you could go over the edge for a good cause next year.In the meantime, “If you’re looking for ways to support The Disability Network or Over the Edge, go to our website at www.disnetwork.org,” said Joel. Once there, you can donate, contact their organization, and learn more about their mission.Do You Have Questions or Want More Tips?If you have any questions about what you read in this article, you can call us at (855) 977-1300. We're happy to expand on what we said above, and give you more information, so that you have the opportunity to live your life without limitations.
