Mayor proclaims July 2026 Disability Pride Month; local advocates urge inclusion

Mayor Ezra Naines read a proclamation declaring July 2026 Disability Pride Month for the borough of State College and invited residents to join in support of people with disabilities. "Now, therefore, I, Mayor Ezra Naines, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as Disability Pride Month in the borough of State College, and I invite everyone to join me in celebrating and supporting our friends, neighbors, and visitors who live with disability," the mayor said.

Speakers from local advocacy and university groups followed. Dr. Meredith Henderson, who identified herself as board president of the Arc of Center County and principal at Easterly Parkway Elementary School, said the proclamation was "deeply meaningful" and framed inclusion as strengthening schools and civic life. Terry Watson, who identified roles including director of accessibility and inclusion for World Campus and vice chair of the center region human relations commission representing Penn Township, described an employee resource group and urged keeping people with disabilities at decision-making tables in municipal policy, zoning, and engagement.

The gathering included brief personal reflections and a demonstration of the pride flag's meanings; Aaron Packard explained colors on the flag and connected them to memory and experience. Council members thanked the guests before opening the public hour, and several speakers during public comment highlighted local accessibility work, including a resident who described volunteering to help a scooter-bound neighbor move between apartments.