July proclaimed Disability Culture and Achievements Month in Maryland
MARYLAND – Monday, Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order proclaiming that July is Disability Culture and Achievements Month. “The State of Maryland is taking another step forward to ensure that all of our citizens are confident in their ability to contribute to their communities and assured that those contributions are valued by all,” said Gov. Hogan.
July marks the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Governor Hogan says July will promote events focused on disability pride and achievements. But here on the Eastern Shore, the local disability community says it means so much more than that. “While we do have a lot of work, it’s just a sign that disability is being uplifted. Disability is such a broad spectrum thing, and I think everyone has disability in their families and in their lives, and it’s something that could happen to anyone at any time,” said member of the City of Salisbury’s Disability Advisory Committee Dom Sessa.
Sessa tells 47ABC the governor’s proclamation is being reflected on the local level. Monday, Salisbury Mayor Jake Day presented a similar proclamation at the Salisbury City Council meeting.
Meanwhile, Sessa says she hopes the governor’s proclamation will open up more conversations about what it means to have a disability and thrive in life. “We have to uplift these voices, and that’s an example of disability culture and achievement,” said Sessa. “I think sometimes people look at disabilities as scary, and this kind of gives inspiration to people who have disabilities and who don’t always feel like they have the ability to find companionship or connections with other people.”
On the Eastern Shore, Sessa says it’s especially important to stand together with the disability community, and celebrate their achievements, and make sure accessibility is available. “I think that we have different needs on the Eastern Shore. We’re a rural community. I think anyone that lives here notices we have a lot of different needs when we’re over the bridge with broadband and with access,” said Sessa.
Aside from that, Sessa also says this is the perfect time to celebrate the history of Marylanders living with disabilities. She says, for example, Harriet Tubman had disabilities. Tubman suffered a traumatic brain injury when assaulted by a slave owner and lived with a sleeping disorder and epileptic seizures. Despite that, she is credited with helping hundreds of enslaved people to escape north. “To me, that’s disability pride. That’s being a proud Marylander, is saying this is an example of our history. So I think we can just celebrate more. I think sometimes people that are marginalized don’t always get the ability to celebrate our achievements,” said Sessa.
If anything, Sessa says she hopes the proclamation will foster stronger connections within the local community. “I hope they realize that disability is normal, and you can be proud. I just want that to be uplifted because I think sometimes people get uncomfortable or scared that they asked the wrong questions. I think sometimes just saying ‘Hello’ can mean so much,” said Sessa.
