What Is an Accessibility Volunteer?

Accessibility Volunteers help make the Disability Pride NYC Parade welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. They work alongside disabled participants, the Parade accessibility team, and other volunteers to help identify and address access barriers, provide accessible information, keep accessible routes and areas clear, and connect participants with access supports and resources.

Disabled people and people with lived experience and expertise in accessibility are especially encouraged to help shape, lead, and participate in this work.

Accessibility Volunteers should offer assistance rather than assume it is needed, communicate directly with the person whenever possible, respect each person’s independence and choices, and ask before providing individual assistance.

What Are the Different Accessibility Roles?

• Access Guides: Welcome participants, provide accessible information and directions, and help people locate Parade blocks, seating, rest areas, restrooms, transportation locations, Quiet Areas, and other resources.

• Access Information Volunteers: Staff accessibility information areas, provide accessible maps and information, answer questions, and connect participants with members of the accessibility team.

• Blind and Low-Vision Access Volunteers: Help support audio description, accessible information, wayfinding, and other blind and low-vision access. Blind and low-vision volunteers are especially encouraged to help shape and participate in this work.

• Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Access Volunteers: Help participants connect with ASL interpretation, CART (real-time captioning), and other communication access supports. Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing volunteers are especially encouraged to help shape and participate in this work.

• ASL Interpreters: Qualified ASL interpreters are welcome to support communication access throughout the Parade and Disability Pride Block Party.

• Language Access Volunteers: Multilingual volunteers can help provide information and support communication with participants who use languages other than English.

• Seating, Rest Area, and Sensory Access Volunteers: Help keep accessible seating and rest areas available and organized, provide information about the Quiet Area and sensory access, and help participants locate water and other resources.

• Mobility and Route Access Volunteers: Help monitor ramps, curb cuts, accessible pathways, and other route access; help keep accessible routes clear; and identify physical barriers for the accessibility team.

• Access Monitors: Watch for physical, communication, sensory, or other access barriers and report them to the appropriate accessibility or event team so they can be addressed.

Volunteers should not push wheelchairs, physically guide participants, or provide other personal mobility assistance unless the participant requests assistance and the volunteer is appropriately prepared to provide it.

Event Timeline

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Parade Line-Up & Gathering

Madison Square Park

• Access Guides: Welcome participants, provide directions and accessible information, and help people find their Parade blocks and other locations.

• Access Information Volunteers: Provide accessible maps and information, answer questions, and connect participants with access supports.

• Mobility and Route Access Volunteers: Help keep accessible routes and pathways clear and provide directions to designated Access-A-Ride and other transportation locations.

• Blind and Low-Vision Access Volunteers: Help support wayfinding, accessible information, and connections to audio description and other access supports.

• Access Monitors: Identify access barriers in lineup and gathering areas and communicate them to the appropriate event team.

11:00 AM | Parade Kickoff

Route: Madison Square Park → Broadway → Union Square Park

• Access Guides: Provide accessible information and support wayfinding along the Parade route.

• Mobility and Route Access Volunteers: Help keep accessible pathways, curb cuts, and crossings clear.

• Access Monitors: Identify barriers and communicate them quickly to the appropriate event team.

12:00 PM | Disability Pride Block Party

Union Square Park

• Seating, Rest Area, and Sensory Access Volunteers: Help maintain accessible seating and rest areas, provide information about the Quiet Area and sensory access, and connect participants with water and other resources.

• Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Access Volunteers: Help connect participants with ASL interpretation, CART, and other communication access supports.

• Language Access Volunteers: Help support communication with participants who use languages other than English.

• Access Guides: Provide information and directions to activities, rest areas, restrooms, Quiet Areas, exits, and other resources.

• Access Monitors: Help identify and report access barriers throughout the Block Party.

12:10 PM | Remarks & Spotlights

Union Square Park

• ASL Interpreters and Communication Access Volunteers: Help support communication access during remarks and announcements, including ASL interpretation and CART.

• Access Monitors: Help identify access barriers around the stage, accessible seating, and gathering areas.

• Blind and Low-Vision Access Volunteers: Help connect participants with audio description and other available access information.

12:40 PM – 3:00 PM | Performances & Community Engagement

Union Square Park

• Seating, Rest Area, and Sensory Access Volunteers: Continue helping maintain accessible seating, rest areas, and Quiet Areas.

• Access Guides: Provide information and directions to activities, exits, restrooms, Quiet Areas, transportation locations, and other resources.

• Access Monitors: Help identify barriers and keep accessible routes and areas clear.

• Communication Access Volunteers: Help participants locate ASL interpretation, CART, and other available communication access supports.

Access for Accessibility Volunteers

Disabled people are encouraged to participate and lead throughout the Accessibility Team. Accessibility roles should be accessible to the volunteers doing them, too.

When you register, let us know about your access needs and the kinds of assignments that work best for you. Opportunities can include seated roles, shorter shifts, lower-sensory assignments, advance preparation, and other ways of participating.

You do not need to disclose a disability or explain why you need an access support in order to volunteer.

Sign Up

If you're interested in being a member of the Accessibility Team, you can sign up using the General Volunteer Registration Form.

We encourage Accessibility Volunteers to register as early as possible so we can plan assignments, training, and volunteer access together.

Accessibility Volunteers can help before the Parade, on Parade day, or both. Volunteers with lived experience, professional expertise, or ideas about making the Parade more accessible are encouraged to become involved in advance planning as well as on-the-day accessibility.

Not sure which accessibility role is right for you? Tell us about your interests, experience, expertise, and access needs, and we'll work with you to find a role that is a good fit.

What Is a Creative Volunteer?

Creative Volunteers bring the energy, artistry, creativity, and celebration to the Disability Pride NYC Parade. They include performers, musicians, dancers, visual artists, and other creative participants who help make the Parade lively, inclusive, and memorable.

Creative Volunteers may perform at the Disability Pride Block Party, engage participants along the Parade route and in lineup areas, or help bring the “Together We Build!” themed blocks to life through art, costumes, music, dance, storytelling, and interactive activities.

Disabled artists and performers are especially encouraged to create, perform, lead, and help shape the creative life of the Parade.

You do not need to be a professional artist or performer to participate. Whether you belong to a performing group, have an artistic practice, love to dance, enjoy making things, or simply want to contribute your creativity and energy, there is a place for you.

What Are the Different Creative Roles?

• Performers and Artists: Engage Parade participants through music, dance, theater, visual arts, spoken word, storytelling, and other creative performances and activities.

• Costume and Theme Volunteers: Help bring the “Together We Build!” themed blocks to life through costumes, clothing, accessories, signs, and other creative expressions connected to each block’s theme.

• Dance Troupes and Dance Volunteers: Perform and dance along the Parade route and at the Block Party. You don't need to belong to a dance troupe or be a professional dancer. Dance in whatever way works for you—standing, seated, rolling, signing, moving, or expressing the music in your own way. Freestyle dancing is welcome, too. Some dances will be shared in advance so volunteers can learn and participate together. Videos will include captions and accessible verbal instructions so people can learn the dances in different ways.

• Parade DJs: Play music to keep the Parade lively and help bring energy and joy to the celebration.

• Musicians and Marching Bands: Bring live music to the Parade route, lineup areas, and Block Party. Individual musicians, ensembles, and marching bands are welcome.

• Arts and Décor Volunteers: Help create signs, visual displays, decorations, collaborative art projects, and interactive activities. Activities may include face painting, crafts, and a community canvas where participants can add messages, drawings, and other contributions.

• Disability Culture and History Volunteers: Help creatively share disability history, culture, art, and stories through themed blocks, displays, storytelling, performances, and activities.

• Lineup Performers and Artists: Visit lineup areas before the Parade begins to perform, engage with groups as they wait, and help build excitement, joy, and community connection.

• Block Coordinators: Help coordinate activities within an assigned themed block, communicate with participating artists, organizations, and volunteers, and provide updates to the Parade team.

Creative activities should be designed so people can participate in different ways and at their own pace.

Event Timeline

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Line-Up & Gathering

Madison Square Park

• Lineup Performers and Artists: Visit lineup areas, perform and engage with groups waiting to march, and help build excitement.

• Costume and Theme Volunteers: Help bring the themed blocks to life through costumes, signs, art, and other creative elements.

• Dance and Music Volunteers: Perform, dance, and engage participants while groups gather.

• Block Coordinators: Connect with Parade organizers, participating groups, artists, and volunteers and help prepare their assigned themed block.

11:00 AM | Parade Kickoff

Route: Madison Square Park → Broadway → Union Square Park

• Performers and Artists: Bring performances, art, storytelling, and other creative activities to the Parade.

• Costume and Theme Volunteers: Help visually bring each “Together We Build!” block to life.

• Dance Troupes and Dance Volunteers: Perform choreographed or freestyle dances and help bring energy and joy to the Parade.

• Parade DJs, Musicians, and Marching Bands: Provide music along the Parade route.

• Block Coordinators: Help coordinate activities and communication within their assigned themed block.

12:00 PM | Disability Pride Block Party

Union Square Park

• Performers, Musicians, and Dancers: Perform and engage with participants throughout the Block Party.

• Arts and Décor Volunteers: Lead and support accessible, participatory art activities, including crafts and the community canvas.

• Costume and Theme Volunteers: Continue bringing the Parade themes to life through creative activities and community engagement.

• Disability Culture and History Volunteers: Help creatively share disability culture, history, art, and stories through activities and displays.

12:10 PM | Remarks & Spotlights

Union Square Park

• Performers and Artists: Help create energy around the program and participate in scheduled creative or cultural presentations.

12:40 PM – 3:00 PM | Performances & Community Engagement

Union Square Park

• Performers, Musicians, and Dancers: Participate in scheduled performances and interactive activities.

• Arts and Décor Volunteers: Continue supporting participatory art and creative activities.

• Costume and Theme Volunteers: Engage participants and help carry the themed experience into the Block Party.

• Creative Volunteers: Help invite participants of different ages, disabilities, and ways of participating to join creative activities.

Access for Creative Volunteers

Disabled people are encouraged to create, perform, volunteer, and lead throughout the Creative Team.

Creative participation can take many forms. Performances and activities should be developed with accessibility in mind so that artists, volunteers, and participants can take part in different ways.

When you register, let us know about your access needs and the kinds of roles that work best for you. Opportunities can include seated or standing roles, shorter shifts, lower-sensory activities, advance or remote preparation, and other ways of participating.

You do not need to disclose a disability or explain why you need an access support in order to participate.

Get Creative With Us

You don't need to fit into one of these categories. If you have an artistic idea, talent, performance, activity, or something creative you would like to bring to the Parade, tell us about it.

Bring your art. Bring your music. Bring your moves. Bring your ideas. Help us bring “Together We Build!” to life.

What Is a Fundraising Volunteer?

Fundraising Volunteers help secure the financial and in-kind support needed to make the Disability Pride NYC Parade free, accessible, welcoming, and joyful for everyone.

Fundraising Volunteers help identify potential donors and sponsors, build relationships with supporters, seek financial and in-kind contributions, and help track the resources that make the Parade possible.

What Are the Different Fundraising Roles?

• Donor Outreach Volunteers: Help identify and connect with individuals, businesses, organizations, and other potential supporters who may be interested in supporting the Parade.

• Sponsorship Volunteers: Help identify potential sponsors, share sponsorship opportunities, follow up with prospective sponsors, and help maintain relationships with Parade supporters.

• Fundraising Research Volunteers: Research prospective donors, foundations and grant opportunities, corporate giving programs, sponsorship opportunities, and other potential sources of support.

• In-Kind Support Volunteers: Help identify businesses and organizations that may be able to contribute goods or services needed for the Parade, such as equipment, printing, food and water, accessibility resources, or other event needs.

• Donor and Sponsor Communications Volunteers: Help prepare outreach materials, correspondence, acknowledgments, and updates for donors and sponsors.

• Donation Tracking and Support Volunteers: Help the Parade team maintain fundraising records and track contributions received through approved donation channels, under the direction of Parade staff or leadership.

• Fundraising Campaign Volunteers: Help develop and support fundraising campaigns and community giving opportunities that raise resources for the Parade.

Volunteers do not independently allocate Parade funds or make financial commitments on behalf of Disability Pride NYC. Fundraising and sponsorship commitments must be approved by Parade leadership.

When Can I Volunteer?

Fundraising begins well before Parade day. Volunteers can help with research, outreach, sponsorship, donor communications, campaigns, and other fundraising activities in the weeks and months leading up to October 18.

There may also be opportunities to help with donor and sponsor engagement, acknowledgments, and follow-up during and after the Parade.

Sign Up

If you'd like to join the Fundraising Team, sign up using the General Volunteer Registration Form.

There is no deadline to volunteer, but we encourage Fundraising Volunteers to join as early as possible so there is more time to build relationships and secure resources for the Parade.

Fundraising Team meetings are held twice weekly on Monday and Thursday evenings. After you register, you'll receive information about upcoming meetings and a Zoom link.

Whether you can make one introduction, research one potential supporter, help with a campaign, or build an ongoing relationship, you can help make the Parade possible.

What Is an Information Volunteer?

Information Volunteers help make sure Parade participants and visitors have the information they need to enjoy and participate in the Disability Pride NYC Parade.

Stationed throughout the Parade route, lineup areas, and Disability Pride Block Party, Information Volunteers provide schedule updates, answer questions about activities and performances, give directions, and connect people with the appropriate Parade teams and resources.

Information should be shared in ways that are clear and accessible. Volunteers should know where to find current information rather than guess when they do not know an answer.

What Are the Different Information Volunteer Roles?

• Timeline Guides: Share current information about the Parade schedule, lineup, route progress, remarks, performances, and activities.

• Event Information Volunteers: Provide information about performances, activities, themed blocks, participating organizations, schedules, and other parts of the Parade and Block Party.

• Directional Guides: Help people locate check-in and lineup areas, themed blocks, viewing areas, restrooms, accessible seating and rest areas, Quiet Areas, stages, tables, transportation locations, exits, and other event areas.

• Information Table Volunteers: Staff information areas, provide maps, programs, schedules, and other available information, answer questions, and connect people with the appropriate Parade team when additional assistance is needed.

• Resource Information Volunteers: Direct people to first aid, lost and found, accessibility resources, event staff, and other available services.

Information Volunteers provide information and connect people with the appropriate Parade team or resource when additional assistance is needed.

Event Timeline

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Parade Line-Up & Gathering

Madison Square Park

• Timeline Guides: Share Parade start information, lineup information, and the day's schedule.

• Directional Guides: Help people locate their themed blocks, check-in areas, restrooms, accessible routes, and other gathering areas.

• Information Table Volunteers: Provide maps, programs, schedules, and other available information and answer questions.

• Resource Information Volunteers: Direct people to first aid, accessibility resources, event staff, and other available services.

11:00 AM | Parade Kickoff

Route: Madison Square Park → Broadway → Union Square Park

• Timeline Guides: Provide current information about Parade progress and timing.

• Directional Guides: Help people locate the Parade route, viewing areas, accessible routes, and Union Square.

• Resource Information Volunteers: Connect people with event staff, accessibility resources, first aid, or other available services when needed.

12:00 PM | Disability Pride Block Party

Union Square Park

• Event Information Volunteers: Share information about upcoming performances, activities, themed blocks, participating organizations, tables, and other Block Party opportunities.

• Directional Guides: Help people locate activities, restrooms, accessible seating and rest areas, Quiet Areas, food vendors, exits, and other locations.

• Information Table Volunteers: Answer questions and provide maps, programs, schedules, and other available information.

• Resource Information Volunteers: Help people locate first aid, accessibility resources, event staff, lost and found, and other available services.

12:10 PM | Remarks & Spotlights

Union Square Park

• Timeline Guides: Share current information about the program and schedule.

• Event Information Volunteers: Answer questions about speakers, spotlights, and the program.

• Resource Information Volunteers: Connect people with the appropriate Parade team or resource when needed.

12:40 PM – 3:00 PM | Performances & Community Engagement

Union Square Park

• Event Information Volunteers: Provide information about performances, activities, participating organizations, and schedules.

• Directional Guides: Help people locate seating, restrooms, Quiet Areas, exits, transportation locations, and activity areas.

• Information Table Volunteers: Continue answering questions and providing available event information.

Sign Up

If you're interested in joining the Information Team, sign up using the General Volunteer Registration Form.

There is no deadline to volunteer, but we encourage Information Volunteers to register as early as possible so we can plan assignments and training.

Information Volunteers primarily serve on Parade day, with opportunities before the Parade to learn the event layout, schedule, accessibility resources, and other information they will need to answer questions accurately.

Information Volunteer assignments can include seated or standing roles and different shift lengths. Let us know about any access needs when you register.

You don't need to know every answer. We'll help prepare you with the information and resources you need to welcome people, answer questions, and connect them with the right place or person.

What Is the Outreach Team?

The Outreach Team helps bring New York City’s communities into the Disability Pride NYC Parade.

Outreach Volunteers spread the word, build community connections, organize outreach meetings, and invite people and organizations across New York City to participate in and help build the Parade.

Outreach is about more than increasing the number of marchers. It is about making sure New York City’s diverse disability communities—and the many communities of which disabled people are a part—are invited to participate, contribute, and help shape the Parade.

You don't need to march yourself to help build the Parade and bring more communities into the celebration.

What Are the Different Outreach Team Roles?

• Community and Digital Outreach Volunteers: Share accessible Parade flyers, registration information, social media posts, and other materials through community and online networks.

• Community Outreach Volunteers: Connect with disability organizations and networks, as well as schools, faith-based communities, cultural organizations, businesses, older adults, veterans and military communities, and other communities across New York City.

• Community Leads: Serve as a connection between the Parade and a particular community, neighborhood, borough, profession, or network—sharing opportunities to participate and bringing community ideas back to the Parade team.

• Outreach Meeting Volunteers: Help organize and participate in community Outreach Meetings where people can learn about the Parade, share ideas, make connections, and find ways to participate.

• Schools, Colleges, and Youth Outreach Volunteers: Connect with schools, colleges and universities, youth organizations, student groups, educators, and families and invite young people to participate, volunteer, perform, create, and lead.

• Creative and Performer Outreach Volunteers: Help identify and invite artists, musicians, dancers, performers, cultural organizations, and creative groups to participate in the Parade and its themed blocks.

• Media Outreach Volunteers: Reach out to newspapers, television, radio, disability and community media, podcasts, newsletters, and other outlets to encourage coverage and help spread the word.

• Government and Civic Outreach Volunteers: Help invite elected officials, City agencies, community boards, and other civic leaders to participate in the Parade.

Help Us Reach Every Community

Disabled New Yorkers are part of every community. Our goal is to build connections across disability, cultural, faith-based, educational, business, labor, aging, veteran, arts, recreation, neighborhood, and other communities throughout all five boroughs.

You don't need a large network to help. One introduction, one organization, one school, or one community connection can bring someone new into the Parade.

Join an Outreach Meeting

Outreach Meetings bring together people and organizations helping build the Parade. Come share what is happening in your community, identify who we still need to reach, make connections, and help bring more people into the celebration.

Outreach Team meetings are held twice weekly on Monday and Thursday evenings. After you register, you'll receive information about upcoming meetings and a Zoom link.

When Can I Volunteer?

Outreach begins well before the Parade. You can help in the weeks and months leading up to October 18, and there are also many opportunities to volunteer on Parade day.

Sign Up

If you'd like to be a member of the Outreach Team, you can sign up using the General Volunteer Registration Form.

There is no deadline to join the Outreach Team, but we encourage volunteers to sign up as early as possible so there is more time to build relationships and invite communities to participate.

Whether you can reach one person or an entire community, you can help build the Parade.

What Is a Theme Execution Volunteer?

For the 2026 Disability Pride NYC Parade, our theme is “Together We Build!” Each block of the Parade will bring a different part of that theme to life, celebrating disability pride, culture, history, creativity, community, and the contributions of disabled people.

Theme Execution Volunteers help turn those ideas into the sights, sounds, activities, performances, and experiences people encounter throughout the Parade.

From choreographing dances and creating art to developing performances, sharing disability history, bringing cultural traditions to the Parade, and helping make activities accessible, Theme Execution Volunteers work together with disabled artists, disability organizations, cultural and community organizations, schools, and other volunteers to create lively, accessible, and engaging experiences.

You can contribute your professional expertise, lived experience, creativity, community knowledge, or simply your enthusiasm and willingness to help. Disabled people are especially encouraged to help lead and shape the themes.

Theme Execution Volunteer Roles

Dance Consultants, Choreographers, and Performers

Help develop dances and movement activities that bring a block’s theme to life. Choreographers, dance companies, individual dancers, and community members can create or perform routines and help develop ways for people with different disabilities and ways of moving to participate.

Art and Display Coordinators

Help develop signs, banners, visual displays, collaborative art projects, decorations, and interactive activities that express the theme of a Parade block.

Fashion and Costume Guides

Help develop costumes, clothing, accessories, and other creative ways for participants to visually express a block’s theme.

Route and Activity Access Volunteers

Work with the Parade accessibility team, disabled participants, artists, and activity leaders to identify potential access barriers and help make themed activities accessible in different ways.

Music Curators and DJs

Help select music that reflects each block’s theme and creates an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Musicians and DJs may also perform along the Parade route or at the Disability Pride Block Party.

Disability Culture and History Volunteers

Research and help share disability history, culture, art, leadership, and community stories connected to the Parade themes.

Cultural and Community Liaisons

Work with disability organizations and cultural, faith-based, LGBTQ+, aging, veteran, immigrant, racial and ethnic, and other communities to help bring their creativity, traditions, experiences, and connections to the themed blocks.

Storytelling Volunteers

Help invite and support disabled New Yorkers and community members who would like to share stories, experiences, disability history, and hopes for the future. Volunteers may also share their own stories.

Schools, youth groups, older adults, and intergenerational groups are especially encouraged to help connect the stories of those who helped build the disability rights movement with those building what comes next.

Social Media and Communications Volunteers

Help share the development of the themed blocks through accessible social media, photography, video, interviews, podcasts, and other communications. Content should use accessibility practices such as captions and alt text.

Performance and Activity Coordinators

Help connect performers, artists, organizations, and volunteers with individual themed blocks and coordinate performances, creative projects, and interactive activities.

Schools and Student Teams

Schools, classes, clubs, and student organizations can adopt or contribute to a themed block through art, research, disability history, performances, music, storytelling, social media, and other creative projects.

Disabled and nondisabled students are encouraged to create, participate, and lead together.

Help Build a Themed Block

You do not need to be a professional artist, performer, or event producer to join the Theme Execution Team.

You might have an idea. You might know an artist or organization that should participate. You might want to research disability history, help make signs, find music, create an activity, recruit performers, share stories, or help make a block more accessible.

Bring what you know, what you love, and what you would like to contribute. We’ll build it together.

When Can I Volunteer?

Theme Execution Volunteers can participate in the weeks and months leading up to the Parade, on Parade day, or both.

Some volunteers will help research, plan, organize, and create themed blocks in advance. Others will help bring those plans to life on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

If you would rather volunteer only on Parade day, there are also opportunities in accessibility, information and welcome, creative and performance activities, community engagement, photography and social media, health and safety, production, and other areas.

Access for Theme Execution Volunteers

Disabled people are encouraged to participate and lead throughout the Theme Execution Team.

Let us know about any access needs when you register. Opportunities can include in-person or remote planning, shorter assignments, seated roles, lower-sensory activities, advance preparation, and other ways of participating.

You do not need to disclose a disability or explain why you need an access support in order to volunteer.

Sign Up

If you’d like to join the Theme Execution Team, sign up using the General Team Sign Up Form.

Theme Execution Team planning meetings are held twice weekly on Monday and Thursday evenings. After you register, you’ll receive information about upcoming meetings and a Zoom link.

Not sure where you fit? Tell us about your interests, talents, experience, community connections, and access needs, and we’ll work with you to find a way to contribute.