By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
Each July we celebrate Disability Pride Month, which recognizes the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. Seven years before the passage of the ADA, Erie County established the Office for People with Disabilities (ECOPD) through the county charter, creating a liaison to government and an advocating body for individuals with disabilities.
As disability rights face growing threats in healthcare, education, employment, and public life, it becomes critically important to push back against ableism—discrimination and bias against people with disabilities—and exclusion. Recognizing Disability Pride reminds us that people with disabilities will not be erased, ignored or pushed aside.
Anyone can experience a temporary, long-term or permanent disability at any time. Access and inclusion are critical when you have a disability. Persons with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments may experience barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. While the ADA ensures equal access, it is important for all of us to practice inclusion and to treat our neighbors, family and friends with dignified compassion.
You can support Disability Pride year-round by:
· Discovering the roots and richness of Disability Pride by diving into disability history, rights movements and cultural contributions.
· Seeking out disabled activists on social media and listening to what they share.
· Watching inclusive media, especially features created by disabled artists, such as Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and CODA. Read books such as Demystifying Disability, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto and Disability Visibility.
· Donating to disability advocacy organizations.
· Challenging ableism. Push back on harmful language and outdated thinking whenever you encounter it.
· Talking to people in your community who have disabilities. Ask what matters most and show your support.
In addition to the great work being done by the ECOPD, Erie County is working to increase accessibility across our county programming and infrastructure. Accessible playgrounds are now open at our five heritage parks, in addition to Tow Path Park in the City of Buffalo. All picnic tables have been replaced with universal picnic tables that accommodate those with mobility devices and at Bennet Beach Park, beach matting has been installed to ensure that all are able to take in the beautiful waterfront views.
One of our great partners, the Erie County Fair has taken efforts to ensure that everyone can enjoy “The Best 12 Days of Summer.” The fair offers a dedicated sensory room as well as sensory kits for fairgoers who may experience overstimulation. Sensory hours will again be offered on Tuesday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those who use mobility aides all lots have accessible parking and there is accessible seating available in the Grandstand for all concerts and motor events. An ASL interpreter will be on site for select weekend events during the fair. View the full list of fairground accommodations and services at www.ecfair.org/p/info/accessible.
I thank our community’s disability advocates, activists and allies for the work they do and wish everyone a very happy Disability Pride Month!