By Parker Garlow
At a recent meeting, the City of Somerville’s Disability Commission discussed ideas for how to celebrate Disability Pride Month in July, and although no events have been finalized yet, suggestions include art shows, film screenings and book panels.
Many of the proposed events focused on the arts. Commissioner Laurie Brandt suggested two art shows featuring work by people with disabilities: one with art centered on the disability experience, and another that would embrace any subject matter as long as the creator was disabled. This would give a platform to artists with disabilities who may not be ready to experience the vulnerability and embarrassment that comes with speaking publicly about disability, she said, and also help break down the stigma against doing so.
“I’ll be honest with you, I think there is a cultural aversion to people with disabilities… I feel that way myself,” Brandt said, noting that she has been disabled for about 50 years and that her experience of disability has been characterized by shame. “We feel shame, but we’re trying to turn it into pride.”
Commissioner Michael Shapps said arts that blind people could enjoy should also be featured, such as music and tactile art.
Arts and crafts can also be a tool to teach kids about disability pride, suggested Commissioner Ingrid Schneider. They could set up a booth at Art Beat or work with art teachers at school to have kids make bracelets in the colors of the disability pride flag and learn what each color represents: red for physical disabilities, gold for neurodevelopmental disabilities, white for invisible or undiagnosed disabilities, blue for mental disabilities, green for sensory disabilities, and a black background for lives lost due to ignorance.
“I just want to make sure that the next generation isn’t the last one to do this. [disability pride and advocacy] “The concern is, if we can unleash the stigma up front, that would be great. That’s the goal,” Schneider said.
Films and series featuring characters with disabilities would be enjoyable for both children and adults. To achieve this, the committee considered collaborating with existing film series, namely SomerMovieFest, which takes place every July-August, and a possible (unconfirmed) upcoming film series from the Ministry of Social Justice. Alternatively, the committee is considering organizing its own film screenings.
The committee members have begun compiling a list of movies, and so far their ideas have included “Crip Camp,” “Sound of Metal” or even a biopic about President Roosevelt’s life and battle with polio.
Commissioner Murshid Buembo stressed that reaching out to other organisations would help in spreading awareness, especially among people without disabilities.
“We may have a specific project, but we need to network with people who can provide us with technical know-how,” Buembo said. “That will be a way to promote inclusivity and get other professionals to understand us.”
In July, the committee will host a book panel. Panelists will include Shaps, author of Mindful Detectives: The Case of the Selfless Sting at BUD and DHA, and Laura Beretsky, author of Seizing Control, who spoke about her book at a disability committee event in February.
Schneider said disability-centered books are a vital resource for people with disabilities and their families.
“My son has autism,” Schneider said, “and when he was diagnosed, I really turned to Amazon to find books about autism, and there was just so much rubbish there.”
Schneider said the committee has an opportunity to help solve this problem by working with the West Branch Children’s Library to host an event featuring their recently donated, extensive collection of books about disabilities.
Ultimately, the committee members seemed optimistic about the possibilities they presented.
“All of the things we share are intertwined,” Chairwoman Holly Simeon said, “They represent different things about ourselves, but they work really well together.”
2024 Red Sox Disability Pride Celebration
Monday, May 13, 2024
Fenway Park
Jersey Street 4
Boston, MA 02215
The Boston Red Sox will take on the Tampa Bay Rays in their annual Disability Pride Celebration.
Residents who identify as having a disability can reserve free tickets for themselves and one guest by responding online, emailing [email protected] or calling 617-625-6600 extension 2059.
Refreshments and transportation to the match venue will be provided.
Fans who require special accommodations should contact Fan Services in advance at (617) 226-6381 or speak to the security supervisor at the entrance gate.