Civil Rights

This month’s Disability Pride Festival in Madison will feature a new 25-foot ramp, as the result of a partnership between Mobility 101, Disability Pride Madison and three City agencies.

Disability Pride Madison received the opportunity to purchase the ramp from long-time festival sponsor, Mobility 101. That organization worked with leaders from the Madison Arts Commission, Madison Department of Civil Rights, and Madison Parks. The ADA compliant ram ramp will be used in other events throughout the city to provide access to community events.

At noon on Saturday, July 29, the Disability Pride Festival kicks off its 5th year with a ramp dedication at Tenney Park.

"It’s taken a while to move the local arts community from funding people playing concerts on the grounds of the state institution, to providing staging for performers with disabilities. The Disability Pride Festival has been part of that change," said Kate Moran of Disability Pride Madison. "At one point, it was looking like we would have to rent a truck and pick-up a rental ramp south of Chicago."

"This ramp provides many organizations the opportunity to provide accessibility in ways they have not been able to until now," said Jason Glozier of the Madison Department of Civil Rights. "This effort demonstrates what can be done through effective partnerships."

"Madison Parks is proud to participate in this collaborative effort to promote accessibility in community events. These innovative partnerships are critical for Madison Parks to meet its mission of providing accessible recreational and cultural experiences to all," said Eric Knepp, Madison Parks Superintendent

Celebrating the new ramp will be one part of the 2017 Disability Pride Festival, featuring Gaelynn Lea, Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars, MC Ti S Banks and BLK Reign and the Band. The festival is from 12-5pm at Tenney Park, 1414 E. Johnson St.