Jul 7, 2026 By Conner Goetz 2 min read

The nonprofit Voices for Independence (VFI) has partnered with Disability Pride Pennsylvania to bring a first-of-its-kind celebration to the downtown Community Pavilion on South Main Street in Washington on July 14.

The free event will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., featuring live entertainment, refreshments and speeches from VFI CEO Shona Eakins and Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess.

According to a statement from VFI, the event represents a significant milestone in celebrating disability culture, community and advocacy in the region.

“Disability Pride is about recognizing that disability is a natural part of the human experience and celebrating the contributions, leadership and voices of people with disabilities,” according to the statement. “Too often, disability-led events are overlooked or accessibility is treated as an afterthought. Disability Pride Washington is being built differently – from the ground up – with accessibility, inclusion and lived experience at the center of every decision.”

Eakins said the celebration is about showing up in the community and making it clear that people with disabilities belong here.

“This event is about creating space for disability pride, connection, and the recognition that accessibility benefits everyone,” she said in a statement.

Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate disability pride alongside local organizations and leaders, and take advantage of approximately 40 resource tables for disability and related services that will attend the event.

As a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Western Pennsylvania since 1993, Voices for Independence remains committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting independent living through advocacy, peer support and community engagement, according to the release.