News Nearby: Disabled Commissioner Named Spokesperson

Despite being disabled, Thomas Sray, of South Fayette, remains very active in his community. 

He has been named by Keystone Coach Works as the local spokesperson for National Mobility Awareness Month, the new May celebration that encourages people with disabilities to live active, mobile lifestyles.

The goal is to develop awareness for wheelchair accessible vehicles, as well as the many other transportation solutions that can improve the quality of life for veterans, seniors and those with disabilities.

Keystone Coach Works in Bethel Park provides mobility products and services to the transportation industry, and Sray has been a customer for years.

He sustained a C6-7 quad injury in 1991 due to a construction fall, and is in his 19th year as a South Fayette commissioner. He has made almost every area in his township—including four parks—wheelchair accessible.

Sray also started a hunting club 10 years ago, and continues to engage more members each year. Even with an array of every day challenges, Sray said he's happy to help his community.

“I am still in a wheelchair, but I am very active,” he said in a statement. Sray mentioned how he counts on his family, “I’ve been married 34 years, and my family means a lot to me,” he said. “They keep me going.”

With two arriving grandchildren, Sray keeps an everlasting smile on his face.

“Looks like I’m going to have a lot of buddies!” he said. Keystone Coach Works is promoting National Mobility Awareness month on its Facebook page.

National Mobility Awareness Month is an annual celebration in the U.S. and Canada that takes place in May beginning this year. It's to encourage the 18 million people who are overcoming mobility challenges to share their stories.

Both written and video submissions will be accepted on the National Mobility Awareness Month website now through May 13—the day voting ends. 

Voting will help determine the top winners, who will receive a new wheelchair accessible vehicle customized to fit their specific needs.

For a full list of National Mobility Awareness Month sponsors, visit www.MobilityAwarenessMonth.com/support.

For updates, visit NMEDA’s Facebook, Twitter or website.

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