Madison council proclaims July 2025 Disability Pride Month, flag to fly over municipal building

The Madison Common Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing July 2025 as Disability Pride Month and accepted the city’s first Disability Pride Flag to fly over the municipal building.

The resolution, moved and seconded by members of the council, notes the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990 and describes the colors and symbolism of the Disability Pride flag. The measure passed by unanimous voice vote after brief remarks from disability advocates.

Nikki VanderMeelen and Denise Jess came forward to accept the resolution on behalf of community groups. Denise Jess identified herself as a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and a member of the city’s Transportation Commission. She said the flag flying over the municipal building “does my heart a world of good” and expressed eagerness to work with the city on “authentic access, inclusion and equity.”

Mayor and council members recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution. The council then moved on to disclosures and the rest of the evening’s agenda.

The recognition is symbolic — the resolution calls on the mayor and council to “recognize and celebrate July 2025 as Disability Pride Month” — and proponents said they hope it will be paired with continued work on accessibility and inclusion efforts across city departments.

The flag presentation and the vote came during the meeting’s opening ceremonial items; council members then proceeded with the consent agenda and subsequent items.

Votes at a glance: Item 1 — Resolution recognizing July 2025 as Disability Pride Month: adopted (unanimous vote recorded).