July 25, 2024 – Fredericksburg, Va. – Twenty-six people and one American Sign Language (ASL)
interpereter will come together for the All-Abilities Choir’s performance this Friday, singing the
national anthem at the Fredericksburg Nationals game against the Delmarva Shorebirds. The goal of
the Choir is to bring together singers of various abilities and it normally has an average of 20
participants.
Created by STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 non-profit that “empowers people with disabilities and their
families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” the All-Abilities Choir debuted at the
organization’s 10th anniversary gala last fall, and is beginning its second year of public performances.
The Fred Nats game will mark the first performance of the new season.
“It is the region’s only independent choral group whose primary focus is singers with disabilities and is
Fredericksburg’s first independent chorus that encourages parents to participate. Our vision for the
All-Abilities Chorus is to create a community where music is a ‘tool’ that connects and empowers our
singers. ” said Sarah Garner, STEP VA program director and co-director of the choir, adding that they
use music therapy techniques during rehearsals. “We adapt the music as needed and incorporate ASL,
dramatic expression, and body percussion for singers with language disabilities.”
The performance tomorrow is particularly poignant, as it marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by thenpresident
George H.W. Bush and prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several
areas including employment.