Disability Pride is a relatively new movement that honors an often overlooked population and demands attention, visibility, and accessibility. As Marauders, our EPPIIC Values employ us to work to understand and appreciate the struggles of those with different experiences from ourselves. Inclusivity is an ongoing endeavor to consciously and actively make an effort to do this daily. The term disability is broad and the narrow understanding society promotes has made understanding disability and being an active ally in the disabled community difficult. Disability Pride seeks to change that narrative. Disability Pride celebrates knowledge, self-awareness and self-understanding, but most importantly, disability pride refocuses on ability and promotes self love. Disability Pride strives to empower and enlighten. Millersville University is proud to take part in inspiring and empowering all members of our Marauder community.
Join Millersville University as we host a three-in-one event featuring Judy Huemann, an international disability rights activist. The Beyond Inclusion event includes a Post-secondary Symposium, Millersville Disability Pride, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration. These events are offered to promote a deeper understanding of what it means to live with a disability as well as educate those who are interested in better understanding what it means to be truly inclusive. Disability Pride at Millersville University hopes to end the stigmas that surround disabilities and celebrate the abilities and uniqueness that make us Marauders.
What makes Disability Pride distinctive is that despite its common roots in activism, it is not derivative of other pride events. For example, where Gay Pride was founded in protest, Disability Pride was created to empower and enlighten. The ADA was one of the first leaders in creating an inclusive America but now the reins are in our hands to be active allies in our day to day campaign to ensure accessibility for our community. We hope you can make it to this fantastic and worthwhile event on April 22 and 23! If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to consider your surroundings or have an open conversation about how you can better support our community members with disabilities. By celebrating and sharing our differences, we promote better understanding and strengthen our entire Marauder Community!