Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

 

July 28, 2023 | by Emma Olson

#ADA33 Recap: This Week in Disability Pride

The July 22, 2023 Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago

The ADA has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for our community. Though we know there remains work to be done, this week we took a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of our past. Here are some of the ways we honored the occasion.

The 2023 Disability Pride Parade

July 22, 2023 – Downtown Chicago

We took to the streets of Chicago this past Saturday for the annual Disability Pride Parade! Check out the pictures and media coverage.

A wide shot of the Access Living parade float. Several adults and a few children wave and smile from the float. On one side is a big sign that reads "Access Living Disability Power, Pride, Community, and CUlture. AccessLiving.org."
A woman using a wheelchair smiles at the camera, one hand resting on her small brown dog.
Parade goes in purple Access Living t-shirts with CEO Karen Tamley and two young parents posing with their young children.
A candid shot of people chatting and laughing before the parade begins
An ASL interpreter signing off to one side. A man carrying the disability rights flag and a face mask looks at the camera, the ASL sign for "love" held over his head
Disability advocates getting ready for the parade
A group shot before the parade. The line of parade participants stretches back and out of sight of the camera. Almost everyone is wearing a purple Access Living shirt.
Parade participants cheering as they march down the street. In the foreground is a woman using a scooter and someone else using a walker.
A selfie of four people in Access Living t-shirts as they walk in the parade
A front facing shot of the parade going under the L tracks.
Parade participants walk and roll down an urban street lined with skyscrapers.
Wheelchair users talk to Access Living staff members sitting behind an informational table
Lots of people milling around Daley Plaza which is scattered with white tents.

Executive Vice President Daisy Feidt on WBEZ

Listen to Access Living’s Executive Vice President, Daisy Feidt, and Disability Lead Executive Director Emily Blum discuss disability and employment on a WBEZ Chicago radio segment. Unfortunately as of 7/28/23, there is not a transcript available, but check back for updates.

Reset Segment: Accessibility remains a barrier to employment

New Music Video from Lachi

Award-winning multi hyphenate artist Lachi was the 2023 recipient of Access Living’s Lead On award at our annual gala where she gave us a preview of her newest song and music video. The full music video dropped this week on July 25.

In Lachi’s own words: “The song is an anthem ode of friendship and love for community, released by RAMPD Records in tribute to the late disability activist Judy Heumann. From the cast, to the crew, to the artists and producers involved, I couldn’t have asked for a better team! All are well-established and super-talented, with the majority having some form of disability or neurodiversity. The music video showcases an all-star all-authentically Deaf/HOH cast signing our lyrics front and center. We as artists are here to tell culturally impactful stories through high-quality art. And I say pop culture is ready for authentically told disability narratives!”

Watch: