Access had the pleasure of hosting a community resource table at the Midstate Independent Living Choices Disability Proud Festival. It was a beautiful day to connect with individuals, families, advocates, and local organizations while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere at Lake Pacawa Park.
Throughout the festival, attendees had opportunities to explore adaptive outdoor recreation, including kayaking, pickleball, hiking, biking, sit volleyball, and the Roll & Stroll for Independence 5K. We enjoyed meeting members of the community, sharing information about accessibility solutions, and learning more about the valuable resources offered by other participating organizations.
The event also featured local vendors offering handmade crafts, pottery, jewelry, baked goods, plants, leather bags, crochet creations, and more. Food trucks, music from DJ Buffet, karaoke, dancing, kite flying, balloon animals, temporary tattoos, and a sensory tent provided activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Celebrating Disability Pride and Inclusion
The Disability Proud Festival is a community celebration that recognizes disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. It brings together people with disabilities, families, advocates, businesses, organizations, and community members to celebrate accessibility, inclusion, and the many accomplishments of the disability community.
Inspired by the broader Disability Pride movement, the festival honors disability history, culture, identity, and civil rights. Disability Pride events are connected to the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark civil rights law passed in 1990 to protect equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities.
More than an enjoyable community event, the Disability Proud Festival creates a welcoming space where people can learn from one another, discover helpful resources, try accessible recreational activities, and build meaningful connections. Events like this help promote greater understanding while creating stronger communities where people of all abilities can participate fully.
Thank you to Midstate Independent Living Choices and its dedicated staff for organizing such a meaningful and enjoyable event. Access was proud to participate, and we appreciate everyone who stopped by our resource table to meet our team and learn more about the accessibility solutions available in their community.