Cincinnati’s
First-Ever
Disability
Pride Walk
By Matt Chaffin
LADD’s very own Metro expert, Matt Chaffin,
shares his experience traveling downtown to
the Disability Pride Walk in celebration of
the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
T
Top: At Fountain Square: Neil, Vanessa, Kenny, Spencer, Kim, Matt, Don, and Jamie.
Below L to R: Great view of all the supporters on the walk; Matt and Don preparing for the walk;
Spencer proudly carries a LADD sign; Kim and Matt show off a LADD poster during the walk.
here have been many wonderful events for people with disabilities here in Cincinnati, but the Disability Pride Walk was a big one
for me. On July 27, 2015, I participated in the first-ever Disability Pride Walk here in Cincinnati.
The walk and event on Fountain Square were lots of fun! I had a blast walking in the parade, participating in the event on Fountain
Square and hanging out with my LADD group! The day started at 9:10 a.m. with a bus ride to Cincinnati City Hall. We were supposed
to be transported to City Hall on a Metro bus, but we ended up using an Access bus instead because not very many people needed a
ride to City Hall. There were so many people, I didn’t recognize hardly anybody.
Upon our arrival to Cincinnati City Hall, we listened to a proclamation by the Cincinnati City Council, stating that Monday, July 27,
2015, was considered Disability Pride Day. I thought this was awesome because I honestly think people should be recognized for who
they are and not just their abilities and this event absolutely did that. There were several speakers who said a few words during the
proclamation, including Mayor John Cranley. It was huge to have the mayor speak at the Disability Pride Walk. I think it was a big part
of the day.
We then lined up to march from Cincinnati City Hall to Fountain Square. The walk started at 10:00 a.m. and we walked a distance of
about a half mile. During the march, each group (LADD included) held up their disability pride sign that was created for this occasion.
I was one of the people who got to hold up a sign during the march; it made me feel really good— made me feel like I was really part of
the organization to be there at the walk for LADD.
Being part of LADD, for me, that’s where I belong, and that’s my goal to be independent, and LADD has done that for me.
14
WINTER 2015
ISSUE 2