December 30th, 2022 – The Town of Islip Disability Advisory Board recently hosted an inaugural Winter Holiday Sing-Sign-Along Concert at Long Island MacArthur Airport, in partnership with The Music Academy for Special Learners and Suffolk Independent Living Organization. Through the Winter Holiday Sing-Sign-Along Concert the Town of Islip hopes to spread holiday cheer, with the sound of music and American Sign Language, to connect individuals with differencing abilities.

WATCH NOW: Islip Sing-Sign-Along at Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)

“Inclusivity and representation are the cornerstones of effective advocacy, especially for under-served groups, such as the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired community,” said Islip Councilman and Chairperson of the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Board James O’Connor. “This is why, events such as these are important, because it is welcoming for all. I am grateful to our partners at The Music Academy for Special Learners for filling the airport’s Main Concourse with holiday songs, along with our friends at Suffolk Independent Living Organization for providing American Sign Language interpreters at the Winter Holiday Sing-Sign-Along Concert,” Councilman O’Connor added.

“In song there is joy,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “There is perhaps no greater catalyst for bringing people together than the musical experience. Who doesn’t have fond holiday memories anchored by the songs of the season? This Sing-Sign-Along, and events like it, broadens the opportunity for all to join in the festive fun, and ensures fond memories will be created by many more. We were happy to host many musical groups at the airport this holiday season,” Supervisor Carpenter added.

Also in attendance alongside Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Councilman James O’Connor, was Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.