July, Disability Pride Month, is an exciting time at DNWML. The warm weather brings more opportunities to be active in our communities, to live out the independent living philosophy, and to show our disability pride.
This month also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26th—a moment to celebrate our community, our resilience, and the progress we’ve made together.
This year is the 35th anniversary of the ADA. Yes, we’ve seen progress and shifts in public attitudes, but as recent events have shown, there’s still a long road ahead. “Nothing About Us Without Us” must be more than just a slogan—it must be a standard. The ADA was the result of decades of advocacy, and that advocacy continues today. Every one of us has a role to play in advancing accessibility and building communities where everyone can thrive.
- Here are a few ways you can take action this July:
- Share your story. Whether at a community event or online, telling how ADA compliance (or noncompliance) has affected your life can powerfully illustrate why the law matters.
- Meet with a local or state representative. Talk about barriers in your community and call for stronger ADA enforcement—your voice can influence policy.
- Build partnerships. Work with local civil rights or housing organizations to tackle issues like accessible, affordable housing. Collective advocacy is stronger.
- Lead by example. Plan an event that’s accessible from the ground up—captioning, interpreters, physically accessible space—because inclusion isn’t optional.
- Join us! Take part in DNWML’s ADA Anniversary events or other activities happening across Michigan this month.
If those options feel like a big step, know this: just being you, a person with a disability, is advocacy. Living in systems not designed for us is audacious. Thriving in the face of constant challenge shows your strength. Disability pride looks different for everyone, and you define what that means for you.
Image Description: Disability Pride Flag with text defining each color. Green is sensory disabilities, blue is emotion/psychiatric disabilities, white is nonvisible/undiagnosed disabilities, yellow is neurodiversity & cognitive/intellectual disabilities and red is physical disabilities.
ADAPalooza 35 – Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration
Join us on July 26 from 12–5 PM at the DNWML Washtenaw office for our biggest ADA celebration of the year!
We’re marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with free food, live performances, a disability pride art exhibition, community info tables, interactive activities, and so much more.
You won’t want to miss this vibrant day of celebration, connection, and disability pride!
INFO
Location: DNWML Washtenaw Office
(3941 Research Park Dr. Ann Arbor)
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 12-5pm
- Disabilty Pride Art Exhibition
- Community art project
- Live performances and music
- Slime making station
- Free food and drinks
- Facepainting
- Raffle and door prizes
- Connection with community organizations
- Information about DNWML services
Join us as we honor disability rights, share resources, and connect with community!
For more information, contact: info@dnwml.org
Image Description: starburst background with stars flanking event text. All event text described in post body.
Event Timeline
12:00 – Event begins: welcome message
1:00 – Theatre Be performance: DNWML’s own theatre program
1:30 – Know Obstacles live music: Local musicians with disabilities
2:00 – Alex Gossage remarks: DNWML Executive Director
3:30 – Carol & John: DNWML Consumer Stories
4:00 – Claire Moore remarks: DNWML Arts & Rec Manager
4:45 – Closing remarks
5:00 – Event ends
Throughout event: announcements, additional guest speakers, and live music from local band, Alvorada
Valet Parking Instructions
We’re pleased to offer complimentary valet service to make your visit easier and more accessible!
Here’s how it works:
1. Arrive at 3941 Research Park Drive in Ann Arbor and pull into our main driveway.
2. Drive up to the valet station, where a friendly valet will greet you. (Image below showcases where the valet station will be located in our parking lot)
3. Exit your vehicle with anything you need for the event–our valet staff will handle parking your car.
4. Head over to our registation table to check-in and learn about all of the fun we have planned!
5. When you’re ready to leave, simply return to the valet booth and let them know you’re ready to go.
6. Your vehicle will be brought to the front so you can head home with ease.
No tipping is necessary—thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the valet service is fully covered!
Interested in taking a virtual tour of our space before the event, click here!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Image Description: street view of DNWML’s Ann Arbor location parking lot
Image Description: close up of where the valet station will be. Text reads “valet check in here”