From our good friend Amber Smock! Please share with other advocates.
Tony
Believe it or not, the time is coming up very soon where Chicago will once again be
hosting the annual Disability Pride Parade! This year’s parade will be on Saturday, July 18.
Each year, the Parade is an important opportunity for thousands of people to come
together to express our pride in the disability community and our pride as people with
disabilities and allies.
This year, the Parade is partnering with ADA 25 Chicago at the Chicago Community Trust.
The Grand Marshal will be U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, a tremendous champion for people
with disabilities across the nation. It will be a real thrill to see Senator Harkin lead the
parade. Plus, the Road to Freedom Bus Tour will be in attendance and the Justin Dart
Puppet will be there from Detroit!
But did I mention the BEST part? Guess what, this year the Disability Pride Parade will be
marching on State Street right in downtown Chicago! In past years, we have marched on
Dearborn, but this year the Parade will be more visible and BIGGER than ever before. You
will not want to miss it. Don’t forget the terrific Parade festival at the end at Daley Plaza.
Both individuals and groups can register at www.disabilityprideparade.org. The Parade is
also in need of some awesome sponsors to make sure all the planned events are funded.
Sponsors can also contact the Parade through its website. The Parade is a grassroots
effort and needs all the help it can get to make sure everything happens as planned. Every
year the Parade is put on by a dedicated group of volunteers who meet regularly at
Access Living. They are definitely in need of more volunteers too.
Also, don’t forget that there will be a Disability Pride Open Mic on Friday, July 17 from 6 pm
to 9 m at 77 W. Washington. If you or someone you know would like to perform, contact
Scott Kirshenbaum at (773) 541-0137. The registration deadline is July 2. This is a terrific
free event that people should also consider attending.
So gather up your coworkers, family and friends. Get ready to say it out loud: I’M
DISABLED AND PROUD! Join Access Living at the 2015 Chicago Disability Pride Parade!
Amber Smock
Director of Advocacy, Access Living
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
