MONTICELLO – The community came together on June 18 to celebrate its diversity and pride at Sullivan County’s Government Center with a celebration in anticipation of July’s Disability Pride Month. 

Kicked off by a proclamation from District 5 Legislator Cat Scott and featuring remarks by Executive Director of Human Rights Commission Ramone Wilson, Thursday’s commemoration celebrated human potential in all its diversity while recognizing that some people still face exclusion because of their disability.

“Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities while recognizing disability as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity,” proclaimed Scott, who then praised the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, this landmark civil rights legislation ensured equal opportunity and prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability.  

Scott said that Disability Pride Month celebrates the strength, resilience, talents and achievements of people with disabilities, while also acknowledging the barriers to accessibility, equity, and full inclusion that still exist and must be addressed. She praised the works of famous advocates like Judy Huemann, the “Mother of the Disability Movement,” and Ed Roberts, the “Father of the Independent Living Movement,” who helped pave the way towards a more accepting and compassionate society. 

To recognize these pioneers and provide a visible symbol of the county’s commitment to the dignity of all people, Scott said the Disability Pride Flag will be displayed at the Sullivan County Government Center throughout the month of July. 

“Not only do I speak for myself, but I speak for the folks who can’t. So on behalf of everyone, I just want to say thank you, this means a lot,” said EMT and disability advocate Lee Brian Karasik, a Sullivan County native born with a mild form of cerebral palsy. Karasik will be sharing his personal insights into navigating the world with a disability at the Hurleyville Performing Arts on July 2nd with a presentation entitled, “Breaking Barriers and Understanding Disabilities.”

“Today we pause to recognize disability awareness and to affirm the simple but powerful truth that disability rights are essentially human rights,” said Ramone Wilson. “When we speak about disability awareness, we are speaking about people, neighbors, students, workers, parents, veterans, caregivers, and families, who are part of the fabric of this county. We’re speaking about their dignity, access, and opportunity, and the fact that we all belong here.”

Wilson pointed out that disabilities are not always visible and said that the needs of the community are not always the same; he said some residents deal with mobility challenges, while others live with developmental disabilities. No matter the disability, Wilson concluded that “every person deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, fairness, and understanding.”