OCCIDENTAL, CA — Anita Rackerby is not only the postmaster of Occidental but an advocate for disability awareness; she has used her fluency in American Sign Language to volunteer and work with children and adults who were deaf or hard of hearing. It was not a surprise to learn that upon hearing of the USPS plans to release a stamp in honor of Robert Panera, Rackerby found inspiration to host an event in celebration of the stamps release.

Rackerby will host a special stamp event to highlight Disability Awareness on April 12, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Occidental Post Office, 3805 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465.  Attendees can purchase the Robert Panara 2 oz. stamp and take part in the special cancellation of the stamp, a children’s coloring contest, and handicap accessible tours of the Post Office. They can also expect to learn more about various organizations that assist people with disabilities.

“I believe in Disability Awareness and was extremely excited to see Robert Panara being honored on a stamp, “said Rackerby. “This sparked my interest to hold an event and incorporate disability awareness into my event.

“I loved the idea of inviting handicapped customers to tour my facility, many I’m sure have probably never had an opportunity to tour a Post Office. I have rearranged my office to accommodate wheel chairs and am very excited to tour my visitors,” said Rackerby.

Helping with the tours will be Chris Lenglel a deaf North Bay mail processing clerk. Lenglel lost his hearing at less than 2 years of age due to a rare brain inflammation called encephalitis fever. Lenglel has worked with the Post Office for over 30 years and his wife, Michelle, also works at North Bay facility and is hard of hearing. Rackerby plans to congratulate and recognize Lenglel and other postal employees with disabilities who have worked hard for the Postal Service.

Robert Panara

The Robert Panara 2nd oz. Forever Stamp is the 16th in the Distinguished Americans Series of stamps and features the image of the teacher and forerunner in hard of hearing and deaf studies. The stamp was designed by USPS art director Ethel Kessler, and features Panara signing the word “Respect”, the image is based on a photograph taken by Rochester Institute of Technology photographer Mark Benjamin.

Panara lost his hearing as a child due to complications with spinal meningitis, he later  went on to become a poet, scholar and the first deaf instructor at the National Technical institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York. His tireless work opening up doors for instruction and accessibility for those who were deaf or hard of hearing inspired countless students and faculty.

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