Remarks, as Prepared, for the New Britain Common Council Meeting — July 10, 2024
Good evening Aldermen,
I wanted to address item #2 on your agenda — the resolution entitled “Ability Walk & Roll and Disability Awareness Day Celebration.” This resolution is of great importance as it recognizes the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. However, I urge you to vote yes on this resolution **only if** the proposed amendments are adopted. If these amendments are not included, I encourage a no-vote.
Here are the proposed amendments:
1. Change the title from “Ability Walk & Roll and Disability Awareness Day Celebration” to “Ability Walk & Roll Celebration and Disability Pride Month Awareness.”
2. Insert the following language:
**(a) WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month aims to promote visibility, awareness, and a sense of pride within the disability community, celebrating the diverse and rich contributions of individuals with disabilities to society; and**
**(b) WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge and address the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities in all aspects of life.**
Despite staff approval, these amendments were not incorporated into the final resolution. Therefore, it is critical that you adopt these changes to ensure our resolution truly honors Disability Pride Month and reflects the spirit of our inclusive community.
Disability Pride Month, recognized globally in July, celebrates the ADA’s passing in 1990. This landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and empowers them to take pride in who they are. People with disabilities constitute 15% of the world’s population, representing diverse ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Disability Pride Month is not just a celebration of identity and culture but also a movement to change perceptions and end the stigma associated with disabilities. Recognized by the American Bar Association, The Arc, and countless other organizations, it promotes the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity and that people living with disabilities should celebrate and take pride in their uniqueness. This month-long event provides a platform for individuals with disabilities to come together, celebrate their differences, and raise awareness of the challenges they still face daily.
The Disability Pride flag embodies various aspects of the disability experience. The diagonal stripes symbolize cutting across barriers that disabled individuals face in society. The colors on the flag represent different disabilities: red for physical disabilities, gold for neurodivergence, white for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, blue for psychiatric disabilities, and green for sensory disabilities. The black field mourns the victims of violence and abuse.
It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive and participate fully in community life. It also aligns with the recognition given by respected organizations like the American Bar Association and The Arc, among many others, that have acknowledged Disability Pride Month.
In conclusion, by incorporating these amendments, we not only commemorate the ADA’s anniversary but also acknowledge the ongoing efforts and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Let us move forward together, celebrating and empowering every member of our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
