CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — A free festival aimed at embracing locals with disabilities is coming to the Valley.
Disability Pride Lehigh Valley will take place from 11 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 at Penn State — Lehigh Valley campus, 2809 Saucon Valley Road.
- The Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance and Disability Pride PA will host a free Disability Pride Festival
- The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 22
- Among the headliners are rock band Gooch, the Motion, Controlled Chaos and Friends of Tom Band
Accessible to all
The inaugural celebration was organized by the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA) and Disability Pride PA.
It coincides with Disability Pride Month, which is celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements and experience of the disability community.
"Our ultimate goal is to make Disability Pride the epitome of accessibility and inclusivity in the Lehigh Valley, ensuring that everyone can actively participate and feel welcome," Jacqui Schwartz, LVACA Accessibility Manager, said.
Penn State's campus is fully accessible to individuals with mobility access needs.
In addition, recorded audio description will be provided for visual arts and American Sign Language interpreters will be working throughout the event to provide ASL interpretation for announcements and performances.
Live music, art exhibits
The event will feature live performances and a pop-up visual art exhibit showcasing the talents of the Lehigh Valley disability community.
Among the headliners are rock band Gooch and the Motion and local musicians Controlled Chaos, Friends of Tom Band, Larry Mason and Nicole Rissmiller.
"We plan to perform our original song, "XLH Strong" to support those living with the rare disease X-Linked Hypophosphatemia," Friends of Tom Band wrote on Facebook.
There will also be an exhibit with visual artists Mary Ann Dunwoodie, Derick Fiedler, Michael Freeman, Marissa Grello, Marie Jeanne Haba, Heidi Hooper, Justin Kaniper, Mark A. Klingler, Connor A. Purcell, Peter D. Schnore and Eliana Ruth Velez.
The event also features resource tables, games for all ages, and a Chill Zone sensory room with calm, quiet activities for attendees who need a break from the action.
"Our ultimate goal is to make Disability Pride the epitome of accessibility and inclusivity in the Lehigh Valley, ensuring that everyone can actively participate and feel welcome."
Jacqui Schwartz, Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance
Food vendors include Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant and the Udder Bar.
For those needing transportation, LANTA will provide special LANtaFlex 505 Service to and from Disability Pride Lehigh Valley. Riders should call 888-253-8333 to schedule.
For more information about Disability Pride Lehigh Valley, click here.