~ By Ann Magill

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Commission for Persons With Disabilities (SCPD) are announcing a series of events throughout July to recognize and celebrate Disability Pride Month. This month-long celebration will feature a variety of activities designed to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities, and foster an inclusive community spirit.

“We are very thankful to Mayor Ballantyne and the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) who have supported us in facilitating these events as we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July,” shared Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Chair Holly Simione. “We are excited to embrace the diversity and rich contributions of people with disabilities and have fun learning together.”

All residents are invited to participate and join in celebrating the diverse abilities and achievements of our community members. 

Schedule of Events:

Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Monthly Public Meeting 

• Date/Time: Tuesday, July 9, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: Tufts Administration Building Conference Room (2nd floor, Room 203M), 167 Holland St. For more information about the monthly meetings, visit the SCPD website.
  • About: Join the monthly public SCPD meeting where accessible recreation and parking will be discussed. The commission welcomes you to join our meeting – we value input from Somerville residents.

“How to Train Your Dragon” Screening 

• Date/Time: Wednesday, July 10, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 
  • Location: West Library Branch (40 College Ave)
  • About: Enjoy a screening of “How to Train Your Dragon” with treats and prizes.
    • Space is limited and registration is required in advance. RSVP here.

Disability Pride Flag Raising

• Date/Time: Thursday, July 11, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: City Hall Plaza (93 Highland Ave)
  • About: Join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Mayor Ballantyne to raise the Disability Pride flag above Somerville’s City Hall. Light refreshments will be served following the flag raising.

SCPD ArtBeat Booth

• Date/Time: Saturday, July 13, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: ArtBeat, Davis Square 
  • About: Visit the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities’ booth at ArtBeat to participate in a multi-sensory community art project, share a pride story, and decode secrets and get a custom cup with your name in Braille.
    Stop by for free books, prizes, and your very own Disability Pride tote bag.

“CODA” Screening and Discussion

• Date/Time: Wednesday, July 24, 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Somerville Council on Aging (167 Holland St.)
  • About: Attend a Council on Aging screening of the film “CODA,” followed by a discussion with members of the Disability Commission.
  • RSVP by calling Debby at 617-625-6600 ext. 2321 or emailing at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.

Disability Pride Family Day

• Date/Time: Saturday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: West Library Children’s Room (3rd Floor) 
  • About: Join us for live readings of stories that celebrate disability read by members from the Disability Commission, bracelet-making, and painting messages on river rocks.
  • Attendees will receive treats, prizes, books, and a tote bag. Activities are inclusive for all ages and abilities.
    • RSVP here
  • • Book readings for grades K-3 will take place at 10 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. 
    • Book readings for grades 4-6 will occur at 11:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.

Evening Book Reading by Local Authors with Disabilities

• Date/Time: Monday, July 29, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: West Branch Library
  • About: Join an evening of readings by local authors with disabilities. For more details on the events and to register
  • RSVP here.

About Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. 

The month aims to promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.