~ By Anne McGill
Mayor Katiana Ballantyne and the Somerville Commission on People with Disabilities (SCPD) have announced a series of events throughout July to commemorate and celebrate Disability Pride Month. The month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities designed to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and foster an inclusive community spirit.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Ballantyne and the Office of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) for helping us put together these events as we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July,” said Holly Simeon, Chair of the Somerville Disability Commission. “We look forward to embracing the diversity and rich contributions of people with disabilities and having fun learning together.”
All residents are invited to attend and participate in celebrating the diverse abilities and achievements of members of our community.
Event schedule:
Somerville Disability Commission Monthly Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, July 9th, 7:00-9:00 PM Where: Tufts University Administration Building Conference Room (2nd Floor, Room 203M), 167 Holland St. For more information about the monthly meeting, please visit the SCPD website. What: Join us for the monthly SCPD public meeting, where we will discuss accessible recreation and parking. The committee welcomes your participation in the meeting, and welcomes input from Somerville residents.
Screening of “How to Train Your Dragon”
When: Wednesday, July 10, 1:30-3:30 PM Where: West Branch Library (40 College Ave) What: Enjoy a screening of How to Train Your Dragon with candy and prizes. Seating is limited so pre-registration is required. Register here.
Raising the Disability Pride Flag
When: Thursday, July 11th, 5:00-6:00 PM Where: City Hall Square (93 Highland Ave) What: Join the Somerville Disability Commission and Mayor Ballantyne in raising the Disability Pride Flag atop Somerville City Hall. Refreshments will be provided following the flag raising.
SCPD Art Beat Booth
When: Saturday, July 13, 11:00am-6:00pm Where: ArtBeat, Davis Square What: Visit the Somerville Disability Commission booth at ArtBeat to participate in a multi-sensory community art project, share your Pride story, decode secrets, and receive a custom cup with your name in Braille.
Stop by and pick up a free book, prizes, and your very own Disability Pride Tote Bag.
“CODA” Screening and Discussion
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 24th, 1pm
Disability Pride Family Day
When: Saturday, July 27th, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: West Library Children’s Room (3rd floor) What: Join members of the Disability Committee as they read stories celebrating disabilities, make bracelets, and paint messages on river rocks.
Participants will receive treats, prizes, books and tote bags, and activities are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Reading sessions for grades K-3 will be at 10:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Reading sessions for grades 4-6 will be at 11:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.
An evening reading session by a local author with a disability
Date & Time: Monday, July 29th, 7-9pm Location: West Branch Library Description: Join us for a reading by a local author with a disability. For more information about the event and to register,
About Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.
The month aims to raise awareness and widespread recognition of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.