Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, in partnership with her office’s disability advisory council and Disability Unite, hosted the 4th Annual Disability Pride Month Celebration at Bronx Borough Hall on Thursday, July 9. The annual event brought together elected officials, advocates, service providers, city agencies, and community members to commemorate Disability Pride Month and the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to its website, Disability Unite brings people together from communities all around the world. “As the largest minority, we are intersectional and in every segment of society and every nation across the globe,” a website extract reads. “Join us in sharing our message: People with Disabilities are proud, we’re loud, and we’ll work together to make ourselves known.”

The event was also an occasion to connect Bronx residents with what were described as critical resources that promote accessibility, independence, and inclusion.

The celebration featured remarks from Gibson, New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez (C.D. 17), Matt Axel, Disability Unite founder and director, and representatives from community organizations dedicated to advancing equity for people with disabilities throughout New York City.

“Disability Pride Month is a celebration of resilience, advocacy, and the fundamental belief that every person deserves the opportunity to fully participate in their community,” said Gibson. “Today, we brought together government agencies, community organizations, advocates, and residents to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities while reaffirming our shared responsibility to build a more accessible and inclusive Bronx.”

The program included a performance by the Wheels in Motion dance team, presentations from city agencies and community partners, and a resource fair featuring nearly 30 organizations providing information on employment opportunities, healthcare services, housing assistance, transportation accessibility, educational resources, independent living services, voting access, and advocacy programs for Bronx residents with disabilities.

Participating organizations included Bronx Independent Living Services, ACCES-VR, MetroPlusHealth, CitizensNYC, Parent to Parent NYS, Children’s Aid, the National Federation of the Blind, MTA Accessibility, NYC Public Schools’ Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning, the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council, Montefiore Einstein, Heart to Heart Home Care, Intention Health Care, the Board of Elections in the City of New York, Centerlight, Metro Plus, and Zbest as sponsors, along with numerous additional community partners committed to expanding access and opportunity for people with disabilities.

Disability Pride Month has been celebrated across New York City each July since 2015, when then-Mayor Bill de Blasio officially recognized the month to commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Since then, the annual observance has served as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities, raise awareness, and promote policies and partnerships that foster accessibility, equity, and inclusion throughout the five boroughs.

“Whether it is expanding access to housing, education, employment, healthcare, or transportation, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring every Bronxite has the opportunity to thrive,” Gibson said. “Thank you to our Disability Advisory Council, Disability Unite, our community partners, and everyone who joined us today for helping move this important work forward.”

Sanchez represents the South Bronx neighborhoods of Mott Haven, Melrose, Morrisania, Longwood, Hunts Point, Bronx River, and Crotona Park East.

St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, located at 1000 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Throggs Neck section of The Bronx, sometimes offers free sign language classes for those who wish to learn.