The Arc of the Central Mountains and Mountain Valley Developmental Services have partnered with Cook Inclusive to celebrate National Disability Pride Month, with an event held at the Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs tomorrow (July 26th) beginning at 4:30pm. Event organizer Kaleb Cook speaks with KDNK on what attendees can expect.
"This year we'll look a little different than last year instead of the big celebration in music. This year we're doing a celebration in a rally, um slash a March. July 26th is actually the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we're going to march for our rights.
The reality is, the ADA act was only passed 33 years ago. 33 years is not that long, and that was the bill that really provided the civil rights law to be able to allow people with disabilities to be fully integrated in societies. We're hoping to create like a big community art piece that we can travel around.
We're building a quilt, so one of our families of a child with a disability is going to sow a disability pride quilt that will travel around town. We are also opening it up to Garfield County Public Health. They are working with us on a strategic plan to create accessibility and inclusion in the valley.
It'll be an opportunity for people to sign up during the event, learn about the event, and then also just connect with others. There will be people from all different nonprofits, all different areas in the valley, so it's really just an opportunity to connect. This event is completely language equitable, so there'll be translation in American Sign Language and Spanish along with English. So please do not let language be a barrier for you to come. We want everyone to come. If there is any accommodations or accessibility needs, please reach out to Cook Inclusive. Follow us on Instagram at Cook Inclusive or shoot me an email Caleb at Cook Inclusive, and we can make sure to accommodate to your needs."
