Community Support

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, July 24, 2026)

Disability Pride Month 2026 has not disappointed. We have had a great community conversation about disability related topics at the Two Harbors Public Library and also a great afternoon watching a documentary called Everybody Dance with more conversations and community art.

On July 26th at 5pm Zeitgeist Duluth and Above & Beyond With U are partnering to bring Crip Camp to the big screen with a community discussion to follow. This is the documentary by Jim Lebrecht, Judy Heumann and others sharing how the revolution began for disability rights at Camp Jened. I am very excited for this time together in the disability community with our allies to share in the history but also plan for the future of accessibility and disability rights here in northern Minnesota.

On July 29th at 4pm in the Duluth Civic Center, in front of the Duluth City Hall and St. Louis County Courthouse, ACT- Advocating Change Together and Arc Northland are sponsoring the Twin Ports Disability Pride Festival. The festival will have live music, speakers, a resource fair and an open mic time for folks to share what disability pride month means to them. This event is free and open to the public.    

And since we know that Disability Pride Month is not just for July, indiGO’s Disability Pride Rights Celebration in Superior, Wisconsin is on August 6th from 11am to 3pm at Superior High School. This event is free and open to the public and includes light refreshments and entertainment as well as a resource fair and local art and maker market showcasing local disabled artists.

I hope we continue to show up and support the disability community this month and always. As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act on July 26th, it is my hope that the negativity and hurtful comments I have been seeing online are replaced with kind and curious questions. The disability community is the largest minority group in the world and everyone and anyone can join this community at any moment. Let us continue to explore the rich history, celebrate the achievements of all disabled people, and be curious with respect of how we can all thrive in community together. Happy Disability Pride Month 2026 and beyond!