On Sunday, July 12th, New York City hosted its first annual Disability Pride Parade. Over 3,000 members of the disability community took over Broadway to champion equal access, and to mark the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Crowds cheered enthusiastically as participants passed by.
Mayor Bill de Blasio was in attendance, telling reporters he was proud his city is a national leader in supporting rights for disabled people. He declared July “Disability Pride Month,” and pledged greater progress on accessible taxis.
The parade grand marshal was former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who sponsored ADA legislation. Many business allies to the disability community — such as CityMouse — were on hand as well.
The parade’s strong attendance and enthusiastic reception have helped to ensure it will be back next summer and the summer after.