Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 35 years ago on July 26, 1990. This year marks a decade of Disability Pride Month, which was established nationwide in 2015 to commemorate ADA’s landmark passing.
Join the Library in honoring the history, achievements, and experiences of the disability community with events, resources, and learning about notable activists.
Celebrating Notable Disability Activists
An author, actress, journalist, and screenwriter, Keah Brown was born with cerebral palsy. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Cosmo, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Essence, Allure, Glamour, and InStyle. Creator of the hashtag #DisabledandCute, Keah’s essay collection The Pretty One explores life, pop culture, disability, and aims to inspire self-love for people of all backgrounds.
Along with The Pretty One, you can also check out Keah's other titles via our collection: children’s book, Sam’s Super Seats, and Young Adult romance, The Secret Summer Promise.
Sara Nović is an American writer, translator, and creative writing professor. A deaf rights activist, Sara has authored three books: American is Immigrants, Girl at War, and the instant New York Times bestseller, True Biz. Her sophomore novel, Girl at War, was an LA Times Book Prize finalist. She has also written short fiction, essays, and criticism, much of which explores her personal experiences as a deaf person. Bylines include Baffler Magazine, The Guardian, New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, New York Review of Books, CNN, and more.
Born in 1889, Judge Robert S. Marx graduated with honors from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. After enlisting in the army, Marx was severely injured on the last day of World War I in 1917. Upon returning home, Marx became Cincinnati’s youngest elected Superior Court judge. He went on to form the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW) and became the organization’s first national commander.
Featured Events
The Library is partnering with the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) for three events this July, with more events to come throughout the year. The Library caught up with Lisa Danford, HCDDS’ publications and community relations coordinator, to chat about the events and the organization’s longstanding partnership with the Library.
On Thursday, July 24, from 4-6 p.m., join HCDDS as they Get Creative at MakerSpace. Held at the Downtown Main Library, the event will start with a tour of MakerSpace (30-45 minutes), and then you can make Disability Pride buttons, keychains, stickers, and more! The recording studio will also be available for use.
“This is a way to come together in a community space and have something tangible that’s easy for everyone to do,” said Lisa. “It’s a wonderful example of showing what is available and bringing people together to connect with one another over the shared interest of being creative.”
Events often develop in response to community needs. That’s the case for Speed Dating. In partnership with HCDDS and Autism Connections, the Deer Park Branch will host two rounds: One aimed at ages 20-34 on Monday, July 28, and another for those over the age of 35 on Tuesday, July 29.
On Wednesday, July 30, join the Disability Advocates Network at the Price Hill Branch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for Pen to Policy. Learn how to share your story and make your voice heard! U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman will stop by at 11 a.m. to discuss federal Medicaid issues, disability rights, and more.
“We always talk about how Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate all that we have accomplished, but we don’t want to forget that there’s still so far to go,” said Lisa.
Past collaboration between the Library and HCDDS.
Past collaboration between the Library and HCDDS.
Past collaboration between the Library and HCDDS.
Past collaboration between the Library and HCDDS.
Other events include CAC Art Lab for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Join Contemporary Arts Center at the Forest Park Branch on Tuesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. for a workshop for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Greenhills Branch also hosts an Adult Storytime every Monday at 11:30 a.m. for adults who have intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.
Everyone’s Book Club
In partnership with HCDDS, the Library also hosts Everyone’s Book Club every second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. via Zoom. The club discusses a variety of material, including poems, books, magazines, newspapers, and internet articles! Every comprehension level is welcome. For adults 18+.
My Life
My Life is a quarterly magazine created by and for people with disabilities — and you can find it at the Library. Founded in 2021, Lisa said that the Library has been a key partner in connecting the greater community to the magazine.
“For our spring issue, the copies at the Library accounted for 40 percent of our distribution,” said Lisa. “It’s been an incredible partnership. People love going to their local branch, picking up a copy, and seeing themselves or neighbors in the magazine.”
Magazines are distributed to the Downtown Main Library, Deer Park, Blue Ash, Anderson, Monfort Heights, Oakley, College Hill, Mt. Healthy, and Mariemont branches. Along with picking up a physical copy, you can also read articles digitally via HCDDS’ website or listen to an audio version. Coverage ranges from features on local advocates and activities for people with disabilities to practical advice on topics like accessibility and finding benefits.
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