Madison Reporter

The City of Madison is set to host a Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Madison Municipal Building.

Participants will include Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, members of the Common Council, disability advocates, and community leaders. Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford emphasized the importance of the event: “As an able-bodied person, I stand in solidarity with our Madison disability community today and every day. Raising the Disability Pride flag is more than symbolic — it’s a call to action. As federal funding for care and accommodations is threatened, we cannot afford silence. Disability justice is community justice, and Madison must lead with both visibility and accountability.”

July marks Disability Pride Month. The City will raise the Disability Pride Flag designed by Ann Magill to celebrate the ADA's enactment on July 26, 1990. Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights Services Specialist for the City of Madison stated: “Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the legacy of disability rights advocates and activists who made it possible for us to learn, work, travel, and participate in public life. It is also a time to celebrate our disabled identities, stand in solidarity with one another, and recommit ourselves to the many fights for access, inclusion, and equity that we continue to face today. Pride is a powerful statement that we belong in all spaces.”

The ceremony aims to honor the contributions of the disability community while underscoring Madison's commitment to equity and accessibility for all residents. Nicki Vander Meulen from MMSD School Board remarked: “Today is a momentous day. For the first time, the Disability Pride Flag will fly in Madison. There is no better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act than to have the Disability Pride Flag flown!”

This public event will offer American Sign Language interpretation and encourages community attendance.

For further details or inquiries about this event contact Lorissa Bañuelos at (608) 332-8229 or via email at Lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com; alternatively reach Dylan Brogan at (608) 267-1998 or DBrogan@cityofmadison.com.