Madison's First Disability Summit

posted July 17, 2023 – 9:42am

The City of Madison Takes a Radical Approach to Engagement with the Disability Community this Disability Pride Month

The City of Madison Disability Summit: Collective Visioning for a More Equitable Future is a platform developing a city-wide agenda that will direct the work of the Department of Civil Rights – Division of Equity and Social Justice, Disability Rights and Services Program, and ensure all City programs include the voices and needs of the disability community.

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity and lived experiences of people with disabilities. On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, was signed into law. However, 33 years later people with disabilities still experience discrimination and disparities in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, and more. Judy Heumann, one of the framers of the ADA noted, “The ADA is a very important piece of legislation. But even if it were being implemented as effectively as possible, it still doesn’t address other issues that disabled people are facing.”[1]

The Disability Summit is an opportunity for residents of Madison to directly inform the work of the Disability Rights and Services Program. Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights and Services Specialist says, “When d/Disabled people are given a platform, we unlock a deep collective wisdom about access, justice, culture, and collaboration. I want the voices and needs of our diverse disability community to be reflected in the work of the City and the Disability Summit creates an opportunity for this to take place.”

This virtual event will be held on July 27th and 28th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and include in-person programing at the annual Disability Pride Madison Festival on July 29th from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The City is thrilled to partner with Disability Pride Madison, a disability-led local non-profit organization with a mission to help people with disabilities take pride in themselves and to show the able-bodied community what the disability community has to offer. The 10th Annual Disability Pride Festival will be held at Warner Parker from 12-5pm on Saturday, July 29th, 2023. This free event is open to the public and will include a variety of musical performances, dance, and recreational activities that highlight individuals living with a disability. Over 80 community-based organizations will be in attendance to share information about their services. There will be food and beverages for purchase, as well as a variety of different family-friendly activities for children and youth with disabilities.

Contacts
Rebecca Hoyt, City of Madison, Disability Rights and Services Specialist RHoyt@cityofmadison.com (608) 266-6511
Disability Pride Madison Board
Dr. Nakia Wiley, nswiley@madison.k12.wi.us, 708-724-3090
Autumn Neugent, Aneugent80@gmail.com, 608-206-5707