BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four people living in North Dakota have a disability.

The definition of disability varies, ranging from struggles with mobility to cognition to just general self-care.

And that struggle can worsen if disabled individuals don’t have access to proper care like some of the reported 42.7% of the population living in rural areas.

But one organization is looking to turn disability into ability — through the first-ever Walk for Walkers and Wheelies — a walk fit for every person, every need, and every ability.

Established in 1980, the Dakota Center for Independent Living is a charity that helps provide North Dakotans with disabilities with the resources to live a fulfilled and independent life.

“We serve people of all abilities and disabilities,” said Event Coordinator, Cathy Job.

Serving 18 counties across the state, executive director Royce Schultze admitted that the organization still struggles with connecting with disabled clients, especially those who live in remote regions.

To help expand its mission, the center launched Walk for Walkers and Wheelies to help provide fundraising for its programs like assistive technology, outreach, and minimizing barriers for those with disabilities.

“We wanted to bring awareness for everybody,” said Job.

Funded by 45 sponsors, the walk will be on July 20, marking the anniversary of the month that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed in 1990.

But the event’s not just about keeping the center’s dream alive; it’s also about spreading awareness of celebrating every ability.

“I think they’ll get to see that people with disabilities are just like everybody else,” said Schultze.

The walk will take place in the dance hall of Amvets Post Nine in Bismarck.

The walk is indoors and self-paced, ensuring that everyone — no matter their disability — can take part and enjoy their walk in their own way.

The event also includes a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a bake sale, ADA activities, and a wellness health fair.

The center asks participants for an optional $25 donation to help support the center’s goal to show that disability doesn’t mean inability.

“I think they’ll get to see that people with disabilities are just like everybody else,” said Schultze.

Registration for the walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and lasts for an hour. The walk starts at 9 a.m.

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