Are you loud and proud? Disability Pride Pennsylvania
More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults, over 70 million people, have a disability. In the beginning of the movie Crip Camp there is a reflection from one person about the crowd and not knowing which people were campers and which were counselors. Perhaps this is central to inclusion, immersive diversity and acceptance of all.
The beginning of pride
Did you know that there is a celebration and movement for Disability Pride? Its roots go back to 1990 when Disability Pride Day was honored in Boston. July continues to be Disability Pride Month in remembrance of the anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Since then, different groups and events have been growing around the country. Disability Pride Pennsylvania launched in 2012 with its first public parade and festivities in the city of Philadelphia. The statewide movement came to Pittsburgh in 2022.
This year the Pittsburgh event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be located at Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. This will be the 5th annual celebration highlighting the joyful creativity and strengths of our community. It is all about everyone belonging and thriving.
What happens at the event?
It is a day for community fun. There will be live entertainment, resources, swag, accessible games, artists, guest speakers, and more. The event celebrates diversity, disability culture, and, in recognition of ADA anniversary, considers ongoing efforts. Disability Pride Pennsylvania states “Our mission is to celebrate and empower the disability community by bringing people together to have fun and advocate for disability justice, building an inclusive world for all.”
There are still spots for sponsors and vendors. Check out how to register and host a table on DisabilityPridePA.org.
They’ve posted that current tables include:
- 365 Health Services
- Abby Care
- Abound Health
- Aging with Comfort
- Canine Companions
- Huntington National Bank
- KMFK Safety Services
- Move Forward Counseling, LLC
- NeurAbilities
- OneWell Health Care
- PATF- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
- Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
- Steel City Stonewall Democrats
- University of Pittsburgh- Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing
- Values into Action
- Western PA Blind Outdoor Leisure Development
- The Woodlands Foundation
How do I connect?
This FREE event is disability-led and clearly designed to be accessible. Inclusive features include ASL interpretation, sensory friendly spaces, and accessible staging and seating. Even the vendor registration states “By committing, you are investing in joyful, inclusive public spaces and affirming that disabled people belong in every community, in every city, and in every celebration.”
Access is not an after-thought; it is a priority. Therefore, the site posts details about parking, drop-off, and public transportation options. You should know that events can be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances so stay connected.
Learn more about what is happening in the community, including efforts to improve public life at DisabilityPridePA.org. Contact them via email Info@DisabilityPridePA.org. Follow on Facebook. Listen to the Living Loud and Proud Podcast.
What else can I do to celebrate Disability Pride Month?
There are many ways to get connected and involved but here are just a few to get you started.
- Connect with people who have disabilities. Maybe you know someone in your neighborhood, work, club, school, gym, church, grocery store, or even online. It doesn’t take much to say hi or smile. Something simple can make someone’s day and help a person feel a little more seen. Who knows? It may even spark a connection and a new friendship.
- Watch for news stories that feature people with disabilities. PBS has a lot of great resources.
- Read Milestone HCQU West’s weekly blog.
- Follow and engage with Milestone HCQU West Facebook page.
- Use #DisabilityPride or #DisabilityPrideMonth in social media.
Shop your support. Whether you are attending a Disability Pride event and want to wear swag or just like getting new things, you can spend your dollars in a way that supports people in your community. It may even spark conversations and awareness. You can shop for gear at the Disability Pride online shop. Or checkout other shops from entrepreneurs with disabilities. Our list does not capture every business but you can get started by checking out our Holiday Shopping Guide.
