Hundreds of people receiving services, staff members, leadership, family, and friends attended the 2016 Disability Pride Parade on Sunday, July 10th. Despite the summer heat, the crowd, representing the full range of New York’s disability community, was out in force. The second annual event began at Union Square Park and snaked up Broadway before terminating at Madison Square Park.
Joining the March
Self-Advocate, Thomas Kernahan celebrates at the 2016 Disability Pride Parade
AHRC NYC Board Members who marched in the parade included Toni Agovino, Germaine Laviscount Scott, Nilsa Santiago, and Tina Veale.
“It was good to be part of the Disability Pride Parade for a second year,” said Michael Decker, Chief Operating Officer, AHRC NYC. “Our team from AHRC New York City had great spirit and energy.”
AHRC NYC program departments represented at the parade included Day Services, Residential Services, Medicaid Service Coordination, Employment and Business Services, Staff Training, and Individualized Supports.
A Day of Fun and Friends
Community Support Professional, Kareem Thompson volunteered his time to escort Tyrone Robinson to the parade, who otherwise would not have been abler to attend. Tyrone really enjoyed marching in the parade.
The parade began at Union Square Park and snaked up Broadway, terminating at Madison Square Park.
“It was nice participating with colleagues and people we support outside of a formal program, in a genuine community activity. Parades are an essential New York thing,” said Eamon O’Tauma, Facility Director, Betty Pendler Day Services: Program C.
People from AHRC NYC wore purple-and-gray shirts, designed by Brooklyn EBS‘ Jabriel Perez and selected by a panel of self-advocates.
AHRC NYC thanks Fineson IRA for hosting an after-party! Craig Becker, Manager of Fineson, and Michelle Martin, Manager at Manhattan Respite, volunteered their time to help with refreshments at the house.
“It was amazing,” Pam Minkoff, Director, Administrative Services, said. “We could see growth in the enthusiasm from last year. To see AHRC departments come together to see what we do every day is mind-opening.”
