On April 4, the 5th annual Disability Pride will be held on campus to celebrate disability culture, envision radical access and advocate for disability justice. The celebration, open to all Millersville students, faculty and staff will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with most events located in the Student Memorial Center. Some of this year’s offerings include an art display, sign making, a pride march, a student activism panel, a screening of the new film “Then Barbara Met Alan” and an open mic. Lunch will also be provided in the multipurpose Room.
This will be the fifth Disability Pride. Dr. Thomas Neuville, professor and coordinator of the University’s Integrated Studies program has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the event over the years, along with other faculty members, staff and students. The Integrated Studies program at MU provides access and support in an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities.
“People with disabilities have been historically marginalized, even (or especially) at institutions of higher education, which tend to privilege certain forms of intellectual and physical achievement,” says Dr. Emily Baldys, an assistant professor of English and interim coordinator of Women’s Gender & Sexuality studies at MU who helped to plan the event. They emphasize the need for an event centered around people with disabilities. “Events like this are important opportunities to acknowledge that people with disabilities are a valuable and valued part of our community–that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities belong here, and that we as an institution should be continually asking ourselves what more we can do to live up to our inclusive values and advance that belonging.”
The Disability Film screening will be at 5:30 on April 4 in Meyer Auditorium in McComsey Hall.