Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community, according to the website for nonprofit The Arc of the United States.
July also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. Disability Pride Month happens every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary on July 26, 1990.
In honor of Disability Pride Month, MooreUnity and the Rotary Club are teaming to host an abilities festival from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, outside Moorestown’s municipal complex.
The event will include food trucks, live music and outoor lawn games open to people of all abilities. On the third floor of the township rec center, there will be karaoke and pool games, and inside the library will be arts and crafts and quiet activities like karate and yoga.
“ … When this became an idea, everyone embraced it,” said Moorestown resident Nicole Ventrella. “Other groups around town have wanted to be involved and help to volunteer… It does show that it is something that has just grown into itself, in a way that was sort of very authentic. It’s been very well received.”
“We’re hoping that these events and these sorts of things that we’re doing will set the stage and inspire other organizers of events to just think about ways to include things in their events that are thoughtful to people who have these kinds of sensory and ability needs,” explained Karen Reiner, co-founder and president of MooreUnity.
The Moorestown July 4th committee will offer a quiet zone along the holiday parade route to accommodate those with sensory issues, hearing aids, pets, young children and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). The zone will be on Chester Avenue, from Central Avenue to Main Street, where fire trucks will not blare their sirens or honk their horns and musical groups will play at a reduced volume.
For the full-blast version of the parade, residents can enjoy the route along Main Street, from Chester Avenue to Church Street, at noon on the holiday. This year’s parade theme is Grand Old Flag, a patriotic tribute and celebration of the nation’s colors.
“ … If you just put in some of these parameters so that people have options, it doesn’t detract from what has already been planned,” Ventrella noted. “It just gives people the script to say, ‘I can stand here and have this opportunity, and then if I need to change my location, I can (move) somewhere else.’
“ … If it’s handled appropriately,” she added, “I feel personally that it is a win win for everybody, because no one expects everyone to change for the few. However we also have to be able to include everyone in a way that’s thoughtful.”
For residents interested in volunteering for the abilities festival or to donate supplies, visit www.mooreunity.com.
