During the months of March and April, the Chester County Intermediate Unit initiated a number of activities across the county to increase awareness and acceptance of all abilities.

The efforts culminated in the second annual shoe design contest.

Art teachers were invited to engage their students in developing a shoe design that best represents and articulates the awareness, acceptance, and celebration of all abilities. Each participating school reviewed submissions and selected one top design to be submitted to CCIU for placement in the 2017 online contest.

Eight submitted designs were featured on the CCIU website and promoted on social media. Community members were encouraged to vote for their favorite design from March 27-31, and more than 750 votes were entered.

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The design of Kaylee Uba, a sixth-grader at North Coventry Elementary, was selected as the winner.

“We received eight outstanding submissions for our shoe design contest, each articulating disability awareness and each representing a very talented 6th-12th grade student in Chester County,” said Melissa Smith, Marketing and Admissions Manager at the CCIU.

Uba’s winning design became a reality when the sneakers were custom-painted by shoe design artist Kelsey Amy. Uba was recognized at a recent Owen J. Roberts School District board meeting and presented with a custom pair of shoes sporting her original design.

This is the second year CCIU has been conducting this awareness initiative. Last year’s contest focused on Autism Awareness and was met with great success.