Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Disability Pride Parade happening?
Sunday, October 19th at 11 AM, from Madison Square Park to Union Square Park in Manhattan.

10:00 AM: Parade Line-Up at Madison Square Park
10:30 AM: Remarks by and Photos with Organizers, City Officials, and Grand Marshals 

11:00 AM: Parade Begins

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Union Square Park Block Party Begins
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Program in Union Square Park
12:10 PM: Remarks by Organizers, City Officials, and Grand Marshals

Is the Parade free to attend?
Yes and no. Participation is free for individuals, though groups are asked to pay a small fee unless they reach out to us.

Do I need to register in advance?
If you are marching, tabling, and/or volunteering, you need to register in advance. If you are a spectator or only attend the Union Square Block Party, you are not required to do so.

How do I get to the Parade?
You can travel to the Parade through various modes of transportation, including MTA transportation and Access-A-Ride. If you choose the latter, please contact them 1–2 days in advance.

Are there restrooms available?
Yes, porta-potties along the parade, and public restrooms at Union Park.

Will there be Disability Pride NYC merchandise?
Yes. More information is coming soon.

Will there be food and vendors?
Each year, we seek food vendors to join us in the vicinity of the parade, with minimal success. If you have relationships with licensed food trucks, we welcome their participation. 

Will there be water stations?
Yes, we will have water in Union Square. 

Is parking available?
No designated parking. Street parking or public transit is recommended.

Where can I register for the Parade?
Use the 2025 Parade Registration Form.

How do I register to march in the Parade?
Please fill out the Registration Form. Be sure to read the text at the top of it so you don't miss any important information.

How do I register to be a general volunteer?
Please fill out the General Volunteer Form.

How do I volunteer to be a Theme Execution Team or Creative Volunteer?
Please fill out the Theme Execution Team and Creative Volunteer Form.

How do I apply for a table at Union Square?
Please fill out the Tabling Form.

What is the last day I can register for the Parade?
You can register until the day of the Parade on October 19, 2025.

Is there a participation fee?
Yes and no. Participation is free for individuals, though groups are asked to pay a small fee unless they reach out to us.

Are individuals required to donate to the Parade?
No. The Parade is completely free for all individual participants.

Are groups required to pay a participation fee?
Yes. This year, we're requesting that organizations "give or get" a small donation based on their budget. Here is the suggested sliding scale for the required donation:

• Under $25k: $30–$50

• $25k–$100k: $100–$250

• $100k–$250k: $250–$500

• $250k–$1M: $500–$1,500

• $1M+: $1,500+

What if my organization can't pay or find a donor to cover the required participation fee?
We understand that not all organizations will be able to pay a participation fee. If that is the case for your group, we ask you to let us know in your registration form and to join in "mutual aid" in alternative manner. 

Are corporations required to donate?
Yes. Corporations may select from four sponsorship packages ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Please review our Sponsorship Opportunities for more information.

Are tabling groups at Union Square required to pay a fee?
Yes. All tablers must pay $149, which is the total cost of a booth (a tent, a table, a tablecloth, and two chairs). 

What is the 10th anniversary Give or Get Challenge?
In honor of the tenth anniversary, we are requiring all participating organizations to do one of the following:

1. Give a Multiple of 10: This year, all returning participating organizations are required to pay a fee to participate depending on their budget size. Please contact us directly if you are unable to do so. See suggested donations above.

2. Get 10 people or groups involved in the Parade: If you are unable to donate, invite 10 people or organizations in your network to join the parade, volunteer, or donate.

You can find more information on our Ways to Give page.

How can I donate to the Parade?
You can donate using Zeffy, PayPal,  Venmo (Name: DisabilityPrideParadeNYC; Phone Number: 917-484-2245), or another convenient means. For more ways to give, please visit the Ways to Donate page.

Is the Parade route accessible?
Yes.

What accessibility accommodations will be available?
Audio-description, ASL interpreters, live captioning, and wheelchair accessible routes.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are always permitted.

How do I request additional access accommodations?
If you haven't filled out the Registration Form yet, please do so and indicate the accommodations you need. If you have already filled it out, we apologize, but ask that you complete it again. We are a very small team, and accessibility is important to us. The Registration Form is our central repository for all participant information.

My organization wants to contribute a cultural performance or activity. How do we get involved?
Please fill out the Cultural Organization Participation Form.

When will we find out if we are confirmed for the block theme we have selected?
We review the form responses on Monday and Thursday mornings, so we'll get back to you on either of those days.

Can we meet and plan with other organizations who are also contributing to the creation of the block themes?
Definitely! That's part of the fun! We meet twice a week on Monday and Thursday evenings. After you register, you'll be invited to join the Zoom. 

Where can I sign up to be a volunteer?
To be a general volunteer, please sign up using this Volunteer Form. To be a creative volunteer or a member of the Theme Execution Team, please use this Creative Volunteer Form.

When is the deadline to sign up to be a volunteer?
Please sign up by Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

What will volunteers do?
Volunteers have a choice of various positions. The roles that are solely available on the day of the event are Creative, Accessibility, and Information Volunteers. For individuals interested in the planning process, the options are Fundraising, Theme Execution, or Outreach. We hope you'll join us!

How long is the event?
11 AM to 3 PM. Marchers and tablers arrive at 10 AM.

Am I required to stay for the entirety of the event?
No, though we encourage you to stay until the end.

What should I bring or wear?
No dress code, but wear comfortable shoes. We also encourage you to wear or bring something disability pride-related or themed (flags, signs, bandanas, etc.). If you're marching with a group that has a branded shirt, we'd recommend you all wear it.

Q: How do we register our group to march?
A: Use the 2025 Disability Pride NYC Parade Registration Form.

Q: Where do marching groups line up?
A: Line-up info will be sent to your email. Please review the Parade route information.

Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: The day of the Parade, October 19, 2025.

Q: What should marchers bring?
A: Anything you'd like! This year's theme is "Love Unites: We're All In This Together." As love and unity are key to this year's theme, we'd recommend love and disability pride-themed items, including flags and signs. If you're marching with a group, we also suggest bringing a banner with your group's name printed on it.

Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes, Disability Unite will be recording and livestreaming the event. Please visit disabilityunite.org to watch the event.

How can I stay updated about changes?
Check our Announcements page and register to get cancellation/change alerts.