About Us

Since 2015, as one of the only citywide disability pride events, the Disability Pride NYC Parade has brought thousands together to march, roll, dance, advocate, and celebrate our vibrant disability community. Together, we've continued to build a citywide celebration of disability pride, power, and community, where neighbors, allies, and people from every background can come together, create change, and join in the joy, pride, and warmth of belonging.

Founded and presented by Disability Pride NYC, the Parade was launched in close partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, whose leadership was central to making the first Parade possible, together with founding partners Art Beyond Sight and Project Access for All. Together, we continue the Parade’s commitment to remaining one of the few major parades that is free and open to all.

Honoring Those Who Built the First Parade

The first Disability Pride NYC Parade was built through community, collaboration, and solidarity. We honor the individuals and organizations who served on the Original Parade Committee and helped bring the first Parade to life.

An asterisk (*) identifies individuals and organizations from the Original Parade Committee who remain involved with the Parade today.

Individuals

• [Names to come]*

Organizations and Their Representatives

The organizations that participated in the Original Parade Committee are listed in alphabetical order, with the individuals involved from each organization.

[Organization A Name to come]*

• [Names to come]*

Today

Today, the Parade continues to be built and shaped by New York City’s disability community, together with the solidarity, friendship, and joy of the many communities to which disabled New Yorkers belong.

In the listings below, an asterisk (*) identifies individuals and organizations from the Original Parade Committee who remain involved today. Names without an asterisk recognize those who became involved after the first Parade.

Individuals

• [Names to come]

Organizations

• [Organization Name to come]

Help Us Complete This History

We know this history was created through the work of many people and organizations—many of whom gathered in Commissioner Victor Calise’s office at the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, where the first Parade began taking shape.

If you were part of the Original Parade Committee, or know someone whose name or organization is missing from this list, please reach out so we can recognize everyone who helped bring the first Parade to life.

The NYC Disability Pride Parade celebrates the diversity, strength, and resilience of the disability community. Our mission is to foster inclusion, break down barriers, and amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities through collaboration, advocacy, education, and advancing employment opportunities. By uniting communities, raising awareness, and championing equal opportunities, we honor the progress of the disability rights movement while inspiring a future where all people can thrive with dignity, purpose, and pride.

Mission statement last updated 2015.

In 2015, world-renowned jazz musician Mike LeDonne founded the NYC Disability Pride Parade after witnessing the ableism his daughter, Mary Patterson-LeDonne, who has disabilities, faced. The Parade was created from the start to raise awareness for accessibility barriers, honor the achievements of disabled New Yorkers, and amplify the voices of the city’s disability community. Each year, Mary serves as a Grand Marshal, celebrating the joy, spirit, and meaningful contributions she has brought to the event. Recognizing its roots in disability justice, the Parade continues to challenge stereotypes, advance advocacy efforts, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Looking back on its origins, Mike reflects, “I can honestly say it wasn’t me, it was Mary.”

DPNYC and its partners celebrate the diversity and resilience of the disability community and all our intersecting identities. We honor and prioritize the unique perspectives that each person brings through their experiences with disability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, age, language, and more. With our board and volunteers representing many different communities and lived experiences, disrespect and discrimination are never tolerated. By combating barriers, elevating voices, and uniting communities, we strive for a future where everyone can thrive with pride, dignity, equal rights, access, and belonging.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Statement updated 2026.