In a show of continued support for the rights of individuals with disabilities, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners recently declared July as Disability Pride Month. This proclamation was made to commemorate the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) anniversary and to recognize and celebrate the diverse community of individuals with disabilities. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and various county departments and resource groups joined forces to uplift this declaration, according to Multnomah County.
The ADA, passed on July 26, 1990, was enacted largely to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. "This year, our Board has the opportunity to renew our commitment to empower our residents and employees with disabilities through championing equal access and taking part in this proclamation,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, as per Multnomah County. The county's extensive involvement includes contributions from the Including Disability in Equity Access (IDEA) Employee Resource Group and the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), among others.
Addressing the Board, Department of County Human Service Director Mohammad Bader underscored the essentiality of the department's role in serving Oregonians with disabilities. Bader emphasized, there is an increased risk of violence for people with disabilities, as they are more often victims of crime than those without disabilities. Specialized programs like the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit are available to support survivors with cognitive and physical disabilities. Bader reinforced the county's dedication to disability justice, aiming to prioritize the needs of disabled people in the community.
The intersection of disability and homelessness was highlighted by Dan Field, director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services, who stated that 80% of unhoused Portlanders reported having a chronic disability, with a life expectancy cut dramatically short in comparison to the housed population. The field was resolved to continue providing essential services to meet the specific needs of the disability community and to confront the challenges faced by them.
Meanwhile, the IDEA Employee Resource Group co-chair Emilie Azorr spotlighted the importance of including disability in the County's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, especially as it pertains to protection from the criminalization that often coincides with poverty and disability. As reported by Multco, Azorr cautioned against complacency, urging Multnomah County leadership to stay diligent in their commitment to values of equity and justice for individuals with disabilities, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community input was not overlooked, with Portland Hearing Voices founder Will Hall extending thanks for 15 years of support and Jan Campbell, a person with disabilities and director of the Disability Awareness Resource Team, sharing heartfelt experiences of discrimination and the daily struggles faced before the ADA was instituted. Campbell also underlined the urgent need for increased awareness and systemic change to address the complex needs of disabled people, particularly survivors of trauma and abuse.
Other commissioners offered their insights and appreciation, with Commissioner Sharon Meieran appreciating the advocacy work, Commissioner Jesse Beason reflecting on his connection to disability through his mother's experiences, and Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards calling for continuous challenges to the county's approach to inclusivity. The proclamation was read by Chair Vega Pederson, who assured those gathered of the Board’s determination to promote disability access and equal opportunity.
