COUNTY CELEBRATES DISABILITY PRIDE

The County of Marin is encouraging community participation in its Disability Pride Month activities and celebrations throughout July. The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation during its July 7 meeting to honor Disability Pride Month. The official document reaffirmed the county’s dedication to ongoing education, partnership with disabled communities and the advancement of policies and programs that promote access. “Disability Pride is not only about visibility, but also about belonging,” said Laney Davidson, the county’s disability access manager. “It is about affirming that disabled people are an essential part of the fabric of Marin County, and that our policies and practices must not simply accommodate disability but celebrate and center it.” The recent modernization of the Civic Center’s Board of Supervisors Chamber centered on ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and engage. Real-time English and Spanish captioning are available, online access to those captioning services have been expanded and a new assistive listening system has been deployed that allows individuals to connect using county-provided devices or their smartphones. The Marin County Fair also started a series of disability access initiatives including the ADA Accessibility Lounge, a sensory-friendly carnival that created a calmer environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivities, and the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom, a facility designed for universal access that featured a height-adjustable adult changing table, an overhead ceiling hoist for safe transfers and ample space for a caregiver. The Disability Access Program coordinates and monitors the county’s compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Staff members work closely with county departments to facilitate compliance through the provision of information, resources, guidance and education. Learn more about the County of Marin’s efforts to be accessible to all at publicworks. marincounty.gov/accessibilityservices.