This year, Charleston makes history with the city's first “Disability Pride Month” celebration. The inaugural event will be held at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. on July 10th from 1 pm – 5 pm and is hosted by HEART Inclusive Arts Community, a collaborative performing and visual arts studio for adults with disabilities.
For over 30 years, people with disabilities have recognized their own Disability Pride month each July, a time to acknowledge the many achievements, and the inherent value, of all individuals in the Disabilities Community. First organized in Boston in 1990 following the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Disability Pride honors the Disabled identity and celebrates the billions of people around the world with a disability. Sharing unabashed pride is just one of the many ways the community fights against the stigmatization, shame, and isolation that many disabled people are faced with everyday.
Despite the vast size of the disabilities community, Charleston will be one of the few cities in the U.S. which recognizes Disability Pride, and there are still no official observances of the month at any state or National level. More than just a means of self advocacy and a push for acceptance, Disability Pride is above all, a celebration of inclusion and the individuals with disabilities who are proud to be themselves.
The festivities on July 10th will feature music and live entertainment, including performances by HEART, the Plantation Singers, the V-Tones, and more. Adam Gorlitsky, founder of I GOT LEGS, and ballet dancer Marka Danielle will be joining as guest speakers. The event will also boast a market of local vendors, games, art, crafts, and it will all be kicked off by a mini Disability Pride Parade marching proudly around the event grounds.
The celebration is free to attend and open to the public of all ages. Disability Pride is presented in partnership with disabilities organizations and nonprofits across the Lowcountry and is sponsored by Edmund's Oast Brewing Co., Boomtown!, and Pathfinders Team Services.
For more information, visit the event website at www.heartsc.org/disabilitypride
