Despite the drizzle, enthusiasm filled the air during Chicago’s 22nd annual Disability Pride Parade on July 26.
Participants of all abilities walked and rolled alongside vibrant floats, engaging with spectators while distributing candy and stickers, all chanting, “We got the power!”
The parade commenced at 11 a.m. from 401 S. Plymouth Court, with various organizations lining the streets to partake in the festivities.
This year’s theme, “Still Rising, Still Thriving!” encapsulated the spirit of disability pride, celebrating achievements in disability rights while acknowledging that the fight for equity continues.
A significant moment for the occasion was the raising of the official disability flag at Daley Plaza for the first time after the parade, symbolizing progress in the movement.
The grand marshal for the parade was Rachel Arfa, the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, who created history as the first deaf member of a mayor’s cabinet in the nation.
“I want people to know that Chicago is a place where anyone can succeed with a disability,” Arfa stated, advocating for a message of possibility and inclusivity.
Arfa has focused on enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities since taking office in 2020, with her office successfully assisting 165 people in securing jobs over the last three years.
“Having a job is life changing,” she affirmed. “People with disabilities can contribute, and we can thrive as well.”
This year’s parade held particular historical significance, marking exactly 35 years since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.
The ADA is a landmark U.S. law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in various sectors including employment and public accommodations.
Caprisha Williams, a longtime advocate and Garfield Park resident, proudly attended her fifth Disability Pride Parade, reflecting on both the progress made and the critical need for changing societal perceptions regarding disabilities.
“I’m here to progress. I am here to help people understand that disability is an identity, and it’s okay to have that,” expressed Williams, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy.
She participated this year with Access Living and emphasized how the parade serves as a vehicle for advocacy, despite her previous struggles with public transportation accessibility.
The Tellin’ Tales Theatre joined the parade, showcasing their signature animal masks crafted from repurposed materials, emphasizing their dedication to bridging the gap between able-bodied and disabled narratives.
Ben Saylor, a member of the ensemble who identifies as a little person with achondroplasia, articulated the theatre company’s mission to promote awareness and acceptance.
“For us, participating in the parade is visibility,” Saylor remarked, highlighting the importance of representation in disability conversations.
Although the parade’s atmosphere was lively, it coincided with ongoing concerns regarding disability rights under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Cuts proposed in the administration’s budget plan aim to eliminate funding for crucial grants supporting disability rights centers, marking the most significant financial threat to the federal disability rights network in its 50-year history.
Chicago resident Louie Francesco, who identifies as autistic and has long COVID-19, voiced his disappointment with the current political climate.
“The U.S. used to be so great and now we are trickling down,” Francesco lamented, pointing to the additional barriers faced by people with disabilities in medical scenarios.
He criticized recent decisions surrounding vaccines and expressed concern about the accessibility challenges still present at the parade, particularly for individuals with invisible disabilities such as autism.
“They did a good job on making it accessible for wheelchair folks, but I think they forgot about invisible [disabilities],” he noted, sharing his own experience of sensory overload during the event.
Esli Ramos, who coordinates events for the Bradley Cameron Association and has attended the parade since 2018, shared her appreciation for the parade’s inclusive atmosphere.
As a person who is blind, she expressed her love for the excitement surrounding the event and the solidarity demonstrated within the disability community.
“I just love being part of it and hearing it around me,” she said, emphasizing the ongoing need for respectful treatment in everyday life.
Ramos highlighted that often people with disabilities experience condescending treatment or exclusion, reinforcing the importance of advocacy.
First-time attendee Rowan Doe, who identifies as neurodivergent with ADHD, found the parade to be a joyous occasion to celebrate with their community.
“The disabled community is one that anyone at any time might be a part of,” Doe observed, underscoring the universality of accessibility and its benefits for all.
The spirited gathering not only celebrated achievements but reinforced the continued efforts needed for a more inclusive and equitable future for all individuals with disabilities.
image source from：columbiachronicle
