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MC Down on stage rapping in front of a colorful fringe brakcdrop that says "disability pride."
Article

Easterseals Celebrates Disability Pride Month with a Bang!

An Epic Gathering at SoFi Stadium Honors Community, Inclusion, and the Power of Disability Pride.

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Cast members from Easterseals PSA campaign on stage with Nic Novicki as MC on the right and a ASL interpreter on the left
Two women posing in front of a orange and yellow backdrop, one dressed in a burgundy dress sitting in a wheelchair on the left and on the right a woman in a blue dress signing the camera. A service dog on the right is adorably looking at the camera.
The band on stage performing in front of a purple, blue, orange and yellow fringe backdrop in front of a sign that says disability pride.

Every summer, Easterseals Southern California spends the month of July spreading the message of disability pride throughout our online platforms and within our programs and services. This year, we took the festivities a step further, celebrating alongside members of the disability community at a truly amazing event.  

On July 26, more than 300 guests gathered at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles to share excitement, laughter, and pride. The stadium buzzed with energy as guests shared in the joy of community and inclusion. From the very first step inside, it was clear—this was a party designed to uplift and unite! 

Don't Miss the Highlights!

The event featured electrifying performances from DJ Hymn and MC Down—the talented rapper with Down syndrome from A&E’s "Born This Way." Guests were also thrilled by appearances from stars of Easterseals’ ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ campaign: Kasey Galik, Andy Arias, Danielle Hollobaugh, Otto Lana, Nik Sanchez, Mayito Mora, Trinity Robinson, Jeffery Yip, and Betty Partida.

Mark Whitley, CEO of Easterseals Southern California, captured the spirit of the evening, saying, “This was our first-ever Disability Pride celebration—and the beginning of what we hope will be an annual event for this growing movement. It was impactful to see a room full of people who believe in disability inclusion celebrating with so much pride. Disability Pride is bigger than Easterseals and bigger than one month, and I’m so proud of the collective strength represented in that room.”  

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to make this Disability Pride event unforgettable.   

Want to Get Involved?

Learn more about Easterseals Southern California’s ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ PSA campaign and share your story of Disability Pride. 

 

Two Easterseals staff members pose beside a participant in front of a colorful Disability Pride back drop
Andy Arias on the left and Nic Novicki on the right on stage at Disability Pride event
6 members of the Easterseals team posing in front of a colorful backdrop
Guest at the event, some using wheelchairs and others standing, look on to the stage during the speeches
A participant poses along with ADS staff members in front of a purple and blue backdrop
Several guests smiling, clapping and enjoying the live music
Nic Novicki, Chelsey Hill, and Teale Novicki posing in front of a colorful backdrop that says "disability pride."
Easterseals CEO Mark Whitley on the right giving a speech with an ASL interpreter on the left
PSA cast member Betty Partida dancing with an ESSC staff member

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