Event Featured a Performance by Sign Language Performer Kimberley Sue and a Disability Inclusion Workshop by the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled
BROOKLYN, NY (JULY 12, 2023) – Yesterday, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in partnership with Disability Unite, a disability-rights coalition advocating for equitable services and accessibility for all, kicked off Disability Pride Month in recognition of the over one million New Yorkers with disabilities. The afternoon celebration featured a 45-minute disability inclusion training led by the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, a grassroots organization led by and for people with disabilities, as well as a performance by Kimberley Sue, a Sign Language performer and advocate who most recently performed at Mayor Adams’ State of the City Address, and remarks from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Khalia Hayslett, Ms. Wheelchair NY 2023, and Debra Greif, a Brooklyn community advocate of over 45 years.
“We talk about how New York is a melting pot of people and cultures, but New York is also a mix of people of different mental and physical abilities. This diversity in people of different abilities is part of what makes our city as great as we are, and we should always be creating and fostering inclusivity at every turn for every single person who calls this city home. I’m grateful to join with Disability Unite to celebrate our borough’s diverse, beautiful, and powerful disability community and practice how we can show up as allies to build a better city for all,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“Never before has city government across all five boroughs partnered with the disability community in such a way, to share a message of unity, advocacy and pride,” said Matt Axel, Directory of Disability Unite. “By hosting this borough-wide celebration, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso not only welcomes people with disabilities with open arms, but takes real action demonstrating his commitment to achieve accessibility and inclusion for all New Yorkers.”
The Disability Inclusion Training offered attendees an understanding of the culture and needs of the different segments within the Disability Community, and shared suggestions for creating a more inclusive and welcoming space when connecting with people with disabilities. ASL interpretation and captioning were provided.
ABOUT DISABILITY UNITE
Disability Unite provides a singular voice for the disability community that advocates to achieve accessibility for all. They’ll be hosting Disability Unite Festival this July 16th at the Central Park Bandshell for a day full of musical performances, art activities, interactive installations, and local community organizations.
Disability Unite is an initiative of Project Access For All. Project Access For All is an organization run by many different partner organizations contributing finances, resource sharing, and sharing the same message: “The Disability Community is loud, we’re proud, we vote and we will work together to make ourselves known”.
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