“We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay”
Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that celebrates people with disabilities, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and promotes disability culture and visibility. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities and was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. This year marks the 35th anniversary! #ThanksToTheADA
Keep an eye out around the library branches for our new Disability Pride flags! Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy, originally designed the flag in 2016. They unveiled an updated, more accessible design in 2021 based on feedback from members and allies of the disability community. You can learn more about the design considerations and what the flag represents online from AmeriDisability.
Events
Storytimes
July 9th: Little Ones Storytime @ Children's
July 10th: Hora de Cuentos en Español @ College Terrace
July 11th: Family Storytime @ Downtown
July 12th: Family Storytime @ Mitchell Park
July 15th: Family Storytime @ Children's
For Teens and Adults
YA Reads Book Club: open to high school teens and adults, come join the discussion for How We Roll by Natasha Friend.
ICYMI Movie Matinee: in case you missed it in theaters, come to the library for a free showing of The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Documentary "I didn't see you there": attend a free screening of this critically acclaimed documentary from a local Bay Area filmmaker.
Book Recommendations
(Remember to log these for your summer reading!)
- Disability Pride Month Picture Books
- Celebrate Minds of All Kinds (middle-grade readers and teens)
- Disability Visibility: For Teens
- Disability Visibility: True Stories
- Navigating Your Child's ADHD Diagnosis
eLibrary Resources
Use iNDIEFLIX to watch award-winning feature films, documentaries and shorts such as Happy 40th, Rolling Romance, The Country Side of Care, and Doing the Impossible.
Kanopy is another great streaming option as it includes a broad collection of foreign films. Check out Neurodivergent, The Way We Talk, Take a Look at This Heart, and Mi nombre en Gennet.
Enjoy from the comfort of home our recorded storytime resources on Youtube: PACL Virtual Storytime Songs & Rhymes and Songs & Lap Bounces. Lyrics can be found by clicking "more" in the video's description.
Other Resources and Activities
- Read The Arc's blogpost Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month
- Listen to Ann Magill's interview about the creation of the disability pride flag on The Accessible Stall podcast
- Find resources & news and share your story with Disability Horizons, an online disability lifestyle publication
- Watch the newly released documentary Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (directed by Fremont-raised Shoshannah Stern) in theater in San Francisco or available via streaming
- Attend First Sundays at Magical Bridge Playground @ Mitchell Park for Community Partner Days, including this Sunday July 6th
- Visit Ada's Cafe outside the Mitchell Park Library for a tasty treat and a cool drink!
- Voice your support for the continued funding of the Braille and Talking Book Library from the CA State Library
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