Montgomery Parks celebrated Disability Pride Month at Black Hill Regional Park on Sunday, July 26, with a community event highlighting inclusive access to outdoor recreation and commemorating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The event featured a variety of adaptive recreation and nature-based activities, including kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and birding, giving participants of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.“At Montgomery Parks, we want people of all ages and abilities to have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature,” said Montgomery Parks Director Miti Figueredo. “Disability Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the many ways people experience parks and to highlight the adaptive equipment, accessibility services and inclusive programming that help bring the joy of parks to everyone.”
Sign language interpreter Sebastian Sylvester emphasized the importance of inclusion during the event. “Disability Pride is about everyone having fun, sharing experiences, and creating memories together because inclusion makes every moment better,” Sylvester said.
The celebration also highlighted the ongoing work of Montgomery Parks’ Program Access Office, which helps make parks, programs, and facilities more accessible through accommodations, adaptive equipment, and specialized programming.
Accessibility resources available through Montgomery Parks include sign language interpreters, adaptive equipment such as adaptive kayaks, all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive fishing gear and adaptive bicycles, large-print and Braille materials, EnChroma color vision glasses, and assistive listening devices.
Participant Raiven Everett, who took part in adaptive kayaking during the event, said Disability Pride is about ensuring everyone has access to their communities. “Disability Pride is about making sure everyone can access the world and their community,” Everett said.
Local author Chanelle Wimbush, who participated in both adaptive kayaking and adaptive mountain biking, echoed that sentiment. “Disability Pride is about building a world where everyone is welcomed, valued, and included,” Wimbush said.
