All community members are invited to celebrate Disability Pride Month in Somerville this July with free, accessible events for all ages starting on Wednesday, July 8. Join the annual Disability Pride Flag Raising on July 9, take part in a family-friendly celebration at the library, attend a commission meeting, or stop by the commission’s table at ArtBeat for free books, crafts, and information.

“Disability Pride Month is a celebration of community, advocacy, and the simple truth that everyone should be able to participate fully in civic life,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “I’m grateful to the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities for their leadership and continued advocacy. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement. It is part of how we build a city where every person can move through the community with dignity, independence, and belonging.”

In addition to advocacy, initiatives, and events throughout the year, the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) hosts annual activities in July to celebrate Disability Pride Month and to raise awareness of ways to get involved in the work ahead. Recent successes include collaborating with the City on installing accessible swings in City parks, supporting the development of the City’s ADA Transition Plan, and expanding attendance at the annual Red Sox Disability Pride Celebration, the commission’s annual accessible trip to a game at Fenway Park. 

“The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities greatly appreciates the Wilson Administration’s commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion. During his inauguration, Mayor Jake Wilson stated that ‘the ADA is the floor, not the ceiling,’ reflecting the understanding that true accessibility means going beyond minimum legal compliance to create a community where every resident can participate with dignity, independence, and belonging,” said SCPD Chair Holly Simione. “The Commission also appreciates the Mayor’s vision of placing residents at the top of the City’s organizational chart and looks forward to continuing to work together to make that vision a reality.”

Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, a landmark civil rights law that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to fully participate in American life. Along with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations (521 CMR), and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws, these protections recognize that people with disabilities have the same right to live, learn, work, play, worship, travel, and participate in their communities as every other person.

For questions about SCPD Disability Pride Month activities, please contact ADAcommission@gmail.com.

The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities advises and assists City officials and staff on issues affecting people with disabilities and works to support accessibility, inclusion, and full participation in City programs, services, and community life.

Community members are also encouraged to learn more about joining the SCPD. The Commission is currently seeking Associate Resident Members. Residents interested in disability advocacy, accessibility, and community engagement are welcome to connect with SCPD members at upcoming events or contact ADAcommission@gmail.com for more accessible events throughout July will celebrate disability pride, community, advocacy, and belonging