#AdvocacyMatters: Here To Stay
July 18, 2025 / #AdvocacyMatters
Empowering and elevating the voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities all across Ohio is at the very center of our work. Governed by a Board of Directors with their own disability experiences and made up of a diverse team, our organization strives to keep advocates front and center in this march towards a truly equitable society.
July is recognized Disability Pride month, chosen to coincide with the passing of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act which was signed into law on July 26th, 1990. Every year The Arc establishes a theme for the month-long event and promotes many different ways to celebrate it. The theme for Disability Pride 2025 is “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.” The Arc explains this powerful message as “people with disabilities are a vital part of every community. Not someday. Not conditionally. Now.”
“Disability pride is a state of mind that refuses to accept the inaccessibility of the world around you,” reflected DRO Board Chair Matt O’Nesti. “It’s the confidence that tells you the opportunities are there to do whatever it is you want to do and that the people who feel you should stay home or out of the public’s eye for ‘protection’ are wrong.”
Matt is a strong advocate who has performed comedy since his high school days.
“My confidence started from the South Park episode where Timmy, the character in a wheelchair was introduced. He was in a band and some people in the town didn’t want him to play…but he did. Now I’m a comedian and deal with the same thing…but when I’m on stage, I’m in your face and you have to deal with me.”
We invite all of our allies and supporters to recognize and celebrate Disability Pride month in ways that work for them. You can find more information on Disability Pride 2025 on The Arc’s website here. There are celebrations planned next week in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Elevating and empowering is the core of what we do. This month – and every month – we ask you to join us.
#AdvocacyMatters