WNY Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) Family of Agencies will host the 2026 Disability Pride Festival on Friday, July 24, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Buffalo RiverWorks, 359 Ganson Street.
The free, family-friendly event will bring people of all abilities and backgrounds together to celebrate disability pride, individuality and inclusion. Through entertainment, education and interactive activities, the festival will promote awareness, foster community connections and champion the rights of people with disabilities.
The M&T Bank Entertainment Stage will feature live music, poetry, dance, comedy and theater, with performances by local artists and entertainers, including Stress Dolls, DJ Pastor Rock and the Music Review. Additional highlights include a Unity Walk & Roll and the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN) ADA speaker series featuring presentations on peer support, chronic illness, accessibility, arts empowerment and self-advocacy. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a mock election and practice voting on an accessible voting machine. Additional support for the festival is provided by Evergreen Health.
The festival will also mark the first public use of a Momentum Refresh mobile restroom and universal changing station in New York State. Provided with support from the New York Power Authority and the NYS Canal Corporation, the fully equipped mobile facility is designed to accommodate the personal care needs of people with disabilities.
“Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, creativity, and contributions of people with disabilities while reaffirming our commitment to accessibility and equal opportunity,” said Stephanie Orlando, CEO of the WNY Independent Living Family of Agencies. “The Disability Pride Festival brings our community together to recognize disability as a respected part of human diversity, celebrate the many contributions people with disabilities make to our communities, and continue the important work of breaking down both physical and attitudinal barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and independently in community life.”
For more information, visit DisabilityPrideWNY.org or call (716) 836-0822, x146.