Strides for Sight 5k Run/Walk 2026

Description

Join AURORA and the Baldwinsville Lions Club for its Second Annual Strides for Sight Fundraiser!

Strides for Sight is more than a 5K walk/run—it is a powerful community platform for raising awareness about vision loss and the essential services that support people living with visual impairments in Central New York. By bringing together participants of all ages and abilities, the event highlights the daily challenges faced by individuals with vision loss while shining a spotlight on the critical role AURORA plays in promoting independence, accessibility, and inclusion. Through education, visibility, and shared action, Strides for Sight helps the community better understand vision loss and connects participants to the resources and services available to support those impacted, fostering a more informed, compassionate, and inclusive community.

After the race, participants can enjoy an Activity Zone with family friendly games, local organizations, and arts and crafts!

All proceeds from this event will support the programs at AURORA of Central New York. Some of our programs include:

Bedtime Book Series: an innovative initiative designed to support literacy development and English language foundation for children of Deaf adults (CODAs) by making story time inclusive an accessible for the Deaf Community. By providing these stories in both spoken English and American Sign language, it affords the opportunity for Deaf parents and hearing children to read together while allowing the child to receive the benefits of hearing the story being read out loud in spoken English. Children's Hearing Aid Program: provides economically disadvantaged hard of hearing school-aged children, free to low-cost hearing aids. Along with the hearing aids, AURORA also ensures the child receives the accompanying services such as a hearing exam and on-going refits for the hearing aid(s). Community Advocacy & Education : through Blind Immersion Experiences and 'Deaf That'- the community learns what it's like to live with sensory loss. Employment Training & Job Placement for the Blind and/of Deaf : individuals who are blind and/or Deaf are overlooked in the hiring process—not because they lack the skills or experience—but simply because of misconceptions about their disability. Communication differences or lack of awareness among employers can lead to unintentional exclusion, creating unnecessary barriers to employment. Support Groups for the Blind/Visually Impaired: this group provides an avenue for those living with vision loss, a way to meet other people dealing with vision related problems. Groups focus on mental health, adaptive technology, and creates a community for those with vision loss.

For more information about AURORA, check out our website: AURORA of CNY