Michael Schweinsburg, Executive Director of Disability Pride, NYC
On February 25, the Disability Pride Parade Committee met at the offices of ICS in the Fordham section of the Bronx. The meeting was chaired by Michael Schweinsburg, Executive Director of Disability Pride, NYC. Many Bronx disability activists joined city-wide representatives to coordinate the participation of The Bronx in the July 12 parade and festivities.
The parade is a bi-partisan and nonpartisan celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Schweinsburg said” We want to thank our hosts at the new Bronx ICS, Latricia James, and their hardworking staff. We are very pleased that our inclusive efforts to gather input from every borough, by holding our meetings in a different borough every month, are being received with such enthusiastic responses. Excitement about the Disability Pride Parade is growing throughout the City and this is borne out by all the people who are coming on board at these meetings. They are joining committees, offering ideas, sharing resources and coming together to ensure the Annual Disability Pride Parades remain as products of, by and for the disability community.”
The disability community is grateful for support from Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Victor Calise, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. We should all give our mayor the credit he is due for his commitment to the disabled of our City and beyond. His father had significant mental disabilities after serving our nation in WWII and later committed suicide. Helping the disabled is a top priority for Mayor de Blasio.
As a person with a disability I am proud to be part of what promises to be a memorable and moving event. It is anticipated that many elected officials will join and will present their initiatives to assist those with disabilities.
Angela Medley, Founder and Publisher of ABLE NEWSPAPER said” I’m very excited to be part of this wonderful event. The ADA is such an important part in the lives of people with disabilities and the 25th anniversary us a momentous event”. 
Crystal Rivera, Supervisor of Employment Training Services, Bronx Independent Living Services said “I am very excited to see this wonderful event blossom”. 
Chris Noel, a disabled advocate from Harlem said, “Don’t dream about it, be about it or you’ll be waiting forever for it to come true. 
Edith Prentiss, Vice President, Disabled in Action said, “It is important that we include all people with disabilities, all ages, all types of disabilities. Visible or hidden ….. we need to work together to ensure our place in society”
Edith Prentiss, President of 504 Democratic Club, Vice President for Legislative Affairs, Disabled In Action ( DIA)
Amy Meisner- Threet, Disabled performer, choreographer, Yoga instructor, Chair of Disability Pride Entertainment Committee said, “The goal is to make this an annual event. Mike S. was very clear in stating that we probably can’t accomplish it all this first time out. Other cities have been doing this type of event for years. As the entertainment co-chair, along w/jazz musician Mike La Donne, I was encouraged by all the ideas I was getting from the others in the room. We are going to do this!!”
Amy Meisner-Threet: Performer, Choreographer, Yoga instructor, Co-Chair Entertainment Committee, Disability Pride Committee
I am thrilled to announce that Mike Rendino, Vice Chair of the Bronx Republican Party, has committed the participation of The Republican Party in this endeavor for the disabled. As Vice Chair of The Bronx Democratic County Committee and its Liaison to the Disabled Community, it is always a pleasure to work with Mike Rendino on issues which impact all of Bronx residents.
Please inform me, the Pride Committee or The Bronx Chronicle, if you can assist us in involving disabled veterans, fundraising, booking entertainment, involving individuals who are not part of a disability organization, and assisting with publicity and outreach.
The parade begins at Madison Square Park and marches south to Union Square Park. The entertainment and festivities will take place in Union Square Park.
Follow Us