Disability Awareness Month

Published on October 01, 2023

Each October, in honoring Disability Awareness month, all Americans are encouraged to take the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of Americans with disabilities, and reaffirm their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often not treated--nor seen as—equals or valued members of society. A key element of Lakewood's Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the diversity of people and cultures that Lakewood is proud to have as part of our community.

With 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability--equaling one in four adults--people with disabilities make up the largest and most diverse minority group within our population, representing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.

See the Proclamation(PDF, 630KB) in recognition of Disability Awareness Month, signed by Mayor Pe.

Lakewood continues accessibility enhancements

Physical impairment is the most common disability in the United States, and the City of Lakewood is proud to continue its ongoing work to create and enhance accessibility at its parks and community buildings.

The city is finalizing the conceptual design of facility improvements planned for the Weingart Senior Center. In addition to new flooring and lighting throughout the facility, the restrooms will be remodeled to current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and additional hearing loops for the hearing impaired will be installed. 

Providing residents in need with reliable and friendly transit throughout the city is Lakewood’s DASH (Disabled, Accessible, Seniors, Handicapped) transit program. All the buses and the six new vans are wheelchair accessible. To become a DASH rider, call city staff at 562-924-0149. 

And since 1981, Lakewood has partnered with Special Olympics Southern California to provide a year-round athletic program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition, Lakewood’s Adaptive Recreation Program is offered at Bloomfield Park, with recreation staff that plans, implements and supervises weekly activities. For information, contact Bloomfield Park staff at 562-865-1717.

Disability Pride flag

Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy, is credited with designing the Disability Pride flag several years ago.

Magill selected each color to represent something meaningful to the disabled community (briefly summarized):

• Black – Mourning of disabled persons who have experienced mistreatment, negligence or death.
• Green – Sensory disabilities, including blindness, deafness, lack of smell, taste or other sensory conditions.
• Blue – Those with psychiatric disabilities, such as anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
• White – Persons with invisible disabilities and/or undiagnosed conditions.
• Gold – Cognitive and intellectual disabilities and other neurodivergence.
• Red – Persons with physical disabilities.