Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Building a Y Where Everyone Belongs
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the stories, strength, and contributions of people with disabilities in our communities. At The Santa Monica Family YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, grow, and thrive. This month and every month, we’re proud to lift up the voices and stories of our members and staff with disabilities, and to continue our work to create a Y for all.
Why Disability Pride Matters
Disability Pride Month is more than a celebration – it’s a reminder that accessibility and visibility matter. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lives with a disability. Whether visible or invisible, disabilities are part of the rich fabric of our community. Disability Pride Month encourages all of us to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and honor the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.
How the Y Supports All
At the Santa Monica Family YMCA, welcoming all is at the heart of what we do. Here are just a few ways we work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported:
• Adaptive pool entry for people of all abilities
• Fitness programs designed for people of all abilities
• Staff training in accessible customer service
• Sensory-friendly events and spaces
We know our work doesn’t stop here. We’re always listening, learning and finding new ways to better serve our community. To learn more, please check out the Member Handbook on accessibility measures.
Accessibility Resources in Our Community
Finding accessible options for the outdoors, community events, and other activities can be challenging. Santa Monica features barrier-free strolls along Palisades Park and the Third Street Promenade, as well as universally accessible playgrounds at South Beach Park and Tongva Park. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of the accessibility options in our community:
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- Beach Wheelchairs: The city offers complimentary beach wheelchair rentals at the Annenberg Community Beach House, allowing individuals with mobility disabilities full access to the sand. Reservations are handled on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. Pacific Park also offers beach wheelchair rentals here.
- Universally Accessible North Beach Park: Santa Monica features barrier-free strolls along Palisades Park and the Third Street Promenade, as well as universally accessible playgrounds at South Beach Park and Tongva Park.
- Disability Community Resource Center: The Disability Community Resource Center of Venice facilitates independent living for people with disabilities through a variety of non-residential programs and services.
- Meals on Wheels West: Meals on Wheels West provides community-based services that nourish and enrich the lives of our homebound neighbors of all ages by providing nutritious meals, friendly calling and friendly visiting, including referrals to other services that promote independent living and wellbeing.
At the Y, we believe our strength is in the diversity of our staff, volunteers, members and participants. We work proactively and collaboratively every day to build organizational and individual capacity towards providing the most inclusive and welcoming experience for every individual we employ, serve and engage. In that regard, the Y complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity/non-discrimination laws.
