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LOCAL News :: Civil & Human Rights

First International Disability Pride Parade

First Pride Parade to focus on people with disabilities to be held on July 18 in Chicago
How do you define “disability”? A growing number of disabled people are now defining it as a natural part of human diversity. And they are driving home their point by taking it to the streets.

The inaugural nationwide Disability Pride Parade will take place in Chicago on Sunday, July 18 on Solidarity Drive, just west of Adler Planetarium on Museum Campus. Step-off is at noon, with a post-parade celebration on Soldier Field's Stadium Green from 1-4 p.m.

Disability Rights Activist Yoshiko Dart is the parade Grand Marshal. Dart played a key role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alongside her husband, the late disabilities and human rights activist Justin Dart.

“It's time that we reclaim the definition of Disability and take control over the naming of our own experience,” says Parade Planning Committee Co-Chair Sarah Triano. “I define Disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. I believe the barrier to be overcome is not my Disability; it is societal oppression and discrimination based on biological differences such as disability, sex, race, age or sexuality.

“All disabled people must go out into the world with our heads held high, with our dignity and pride intact, vowing to take back the definition of Disability with militant self-pride,” continues Triano.

The parade planning committee’s objectives were to organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen the pride, power and unity of People with Disabilities, their families and allies. Everyone who believes that Disability is a natural part of human diversity and supports Disability Pride is invited to be a part of the parade.

The event will also include a banner contest, a disability history quilt, artwork on display, and jewelry and t-shirts for sale.

Although registration is closed for contingent groups, individuals may still march in the parade as part of the "Individual" contingent. Just print out and complete the form at www.disabledandproud.com/forms.htm
and bring it to the registration table at the east end of Solidarity Drive at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning.


The planning committee is still raising money to cover all the expenses of the parade. You can make a donation to cover costs for such things as
water, stage, sound system, etc., by writing a check or money order made payable to Progress Center for Independent Living. Write ‘Disability Pride Parade’ in the memo section and mail to Progress Center, c/o Laura Obara, 7521 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130.
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International Disability Pride Parade
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does it cost to participate in the Parade?
Nothing! There are no registration fees required to participate in the parade this year, but we are asking all participants to make a suggested donation if you can.

Do I have to be a person with a disability to participate in the parade?
No. The Disability Pride Parade is an opportunity for us to celebrate and strengthen the pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies. Everyone who believes that disability is a natural part of human diversity and supports Disability Pride is invited to be a part of the parade.

Can I participate as an individual in the Parade?
Absolutely! Anyone who fills out a registration form can be in the parade and march/roll by themselves if they want. There will be one contingent in the parade reserved for unaffiliated individuals. Or we can hook you up with one of the groups that will be marching.

Do I have to fill out a registration form if I want to participate in the parade?
Yes.

Will reasonable accommodations be provided?
For information about reasonable accommodations for the parade, please contact Carrole Mardis, Disability Pride Parade Accommodations Committee Chair, at (312) 996-1174 or at carrole (at) uic.edu.

Are service animals allowed in the parade?
Yes, as long as they are a certified service animal. No pets are allowed.

What is the Parade Route?
11 a.m.: Line-Up on Solidarity Drive, just west of Adler Planetarium Noon: Step-Off. Proceed west on Solidarity Drive to Museum Campus Drive. Turn south to Soldier Field’s Stadium Green, approximately 1500 South.

How long is the Parade Route?
A little less than one mile.

What happens if it rains?
We will be marching rain or shine, so come prepared.

Who is Yoshiko Dart?
Yoshiko Dart, the widow of the renowned Disabilities and Human Rights activist Justin Dart Jr., was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Since 1968, she worked to in promote the rights and empowerment of people with and without disabilities in the area of disability policy and years of citizen advocacy for civil rights, independent living, universal health care, and the election of pro-disability rights candidates. For many years, she has been the informal CEO of Justice For All. Yoshiko Dart has received numerous awards and commendations, including major recognitions from the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and Presidents Bush and Clinton. She will be leading the parade carrying Justin Dart’s trademark cowboy boots, which have been housed at the Smithsonian Institution since his death in June 2002.
 
 

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