Bronx, NY – On Thursday, July 6th, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson in partnership with Disability Unite and other advocates, announced the launch of the first-ever Bronx Disability Pride Month event celebrating disability pride and marking the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event to be held annually will highlight local support for people with disabilities, while connecting communities to the City Agencies and City Council Members who serve them. The event included performances by Daniel’s Music Foundation.
“People with disabilities rightfully deserve equal access to housing, jobs, public transportation and more,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The unfortunate reality is that many continue to feel cut off from the very resources and tools needed to live prosperous and productive lives. I want to thank NYC Commissioner Christina Curry who heads the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Founder and Director of Disability Unite, Matt Axel, for demonstrating their commitment in seeing all our communities empowered.”
“As we mark the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, let us unite in our efforts to create a truly inclusive city, where every person, regardless of ability, is empowered to succeed and thrive,” said NYC Commissioner Christina Curry who heads the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Together, with our partners and advocates, we will ensure that all the resources and tools necessary are readily available to the 1 million people with disabilities in New York City.”
“The partnership between the Borough President’s office and the Disability Unite coalition demonstrates the strong connection she and her team cultivate with the Bronx Disability Community,” said Matt Axel, Founder & Director of Disability Unite. “As Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson launches this unprecedented series of city-wide Disability Pride Month events, our city sets a new national standard for cooperation between the Disability Community and local government.”
The program that ran between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. also included tabling by community organizations, a disability inclusion training session offered by Bronx Independent Living Services and more. The goal is to ensure that People with Disabilities that live in New York City know their rights and are building partnerships with city leaders to ensure that services readily available for their use, are provided.