RaeAnne Lindsay was named Ms. Wheelchair USA and has been a strong advocate for inclusive playgrounds in Fisher Community Park (above) and at Fisher Grade School. RaeAnne Lindsay has never been one to shrink back from putting her face out there when she sees a need.
The 2008 Fisher High School graduate, who has been in a wheelchair all of her life, is a vocal advocate for handicapped-accessible playgrounds. Her actions have resulted in the construction of such playgrounds in the Fisher Community Park, Fisher Grade School, in LeRoy and “a couple of others that are in the works,” she said. Her efforts have been noticed.
She was recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA. “Fisher’s very proud of her,” Village President Mike Bayler said.
“I sent her congratulations like many other people did.” Lindsay used her advocacy of inclusive playgrounds as her platform. “Inclusive playgrounds are for everyone,” she said, noting she seeks out schools and other public bodies to add such playgrounds.
“I just get a feeling I need to reach out to a school, or if I know someone at the school. “Sometimes they come to me” for input, she said. “I’m more than happy to always talk about it.
” Her talk to the Fisher Village Board was her first on the subject. “I was super nervous on how they would react to it,” she said. “Luckily (grade school Principal Jake Palmer) was there at the town board meeting and that helped clear the way for the inclusive playground there.
” Bayl.