Disability Awareness Month

Disability Awareness Month

Published on October 01, 2024

October is Disability Awareness Month and it's an important time to recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities, and to recommit to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.

With approximately 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability, representing a wide array of abilities and backgrounds, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity, personal resilience and strength within this community.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often not treated-nor seen-as equals or valued members of society. A key element of Lakewood's Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the diversity of people and cultures that Lakewood is proud to have as part of our community.

See the Proclamation(PDF, 622KB)in recognition of Disability Awareness Month, signed by Mayor Rogers.

Lakewood continues accessibility enhancements

The City of Lakewood is actively working to improve accessibility and inclusion for its residents with disabilities.

Lakewood is proud of the playgrounds in its many neighborhood parks, and as those playgrounds are upgraded, the city looks for creative ways to make them accessible and inviting for all children, including those with disabilities.

The upcoming enhancements to the Weingart Senior Center-such as new flooring, lighting, ADA-compliant restrooms, and additional hearing loops-reflect a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Similarly, the DASH transit program, with its wheelchair-accessible buses and vans, ensures that reliable transportation is available for those in need. All DASH buses and the six new vans are wheelchair accessible. To become a DASH rider, call city staff at 562-924-0149.

Lakewood's partnership with Special Olympics Southern California and the ongoing Adaptive Recreation Program at Bloomfield Park are exemplary efforts to provide meaningful athletic and recreational opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For information, contact Bloomfield Park staff at 562-865-1717.

Disability Pride flag

The Disability Pride flag, designed by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy, symbolizes the varied experiences within the disability community.

Each color on the flag holds significant meaning, representing different aspects of disability:

• Black - For mourning those who have faced mistreatment, neglect or death.
• Green - For sensory disabilities, including blindness, deafness, lack of smell, taste or other sensory conditions.
• Blue - For psychiatric disabilities, such as anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
• White - For invisible disabilities and/or undiagnosed conditions.
• Gold - For cognitive and intellectual disabilities and other neurodivergence.
• Red - For physical disabilities.

City Proclamation

Tagged as:

• Commemorations