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County proclaims July Disability Pride Month; advocates and a self-advocate describe inclusion, training and employment supports
Summary
Thurston–Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition and a self-advocate received a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month; speakers described advocacy, law-enforcement training, and local programs that support inclusion and employment.
Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month and invited representatives of the Thurston–Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition to speak.
Michelle Odell, coordinator of the Thurston–Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition, said the coalition is a partner of The Arc of Washington and “works year round to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with developmental disabilities and their families.” Odell described coalition activities including training self-advocates to share stories with legislators, hosting the South Sound legislative forum to elevate community priorities and supporting families to navigate DDA services, education rights, adult day programs and employment programs. Odell also described a law-enforcement training partnership described in the meeting as Project SAFER, which aims to help first responders better understand developmental disabilities and encourage compassionate, informed responses in the field.
Cole Lynam, a 24-year-old self-advocate from Olympia, described why Disability Pride Month matters to him. “This year’s theme is ‘We belong here, and we are here to stay,’” Lynam said. He encouraged inclusion in conversations that affect people with disabilities—health care, employment, supportive living and recreation—and named local inclusive programs such as Thurston County Specialized Recreation, Thurston County Inclusion, Hobbybird Studios, Thurston County Special Olympics, Transition Academy, Project SEARCH and employers such as Morningside.
Why it matters: County recognition and community advocacy reinforce local networks that connect people with developmental disabilities to training, recreation and employment. The proclamation was ceremonial but paired with concrete descriptions of programs and partnerships that county staff and advocates rely on to deliver services.
What’s next: The coalition encouraged commissioners and community members to attend future South Sound Legislative Forum events and to continue partnering on inclusion and first-responder training.
