Events

ADA 35

On July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Commonly known as the ADA, this law has been instrumental in creating more accessibility in employment, education, as well as public and digital spaces.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - a landmark civil rights law that continues to shape equity and access across our city.

In honor of this milestone, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) presents 35 Years Forward: ADA x NYC. - A curated calendar of events and community efforts driving accessibility forward across New York City.

For accessibility resources, please visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/mopd/resources/resources.page

For the list of upcoming events: Please see below.

Upcoming Events

National Trends in Disability Employment Webinar

Join the Kessler Foundation for a webinar featuring Dr. Josie Badger, National Transition Director at the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. This session will cover the latest insights from the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Jobs Report, updates from the field of disability employment, and include an open Q&A session for attendees.

Date: Thursday, July 3rd
Time: 12 PM to 1:20 PM
Location: Online
Registration/Link: https://tinyurl.com/yfxa8x4x

The 49th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show

Planning to check out the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show in person this year?
It will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges in the East River at the Seaport District.

The Fireworks show is tentatively scheduled to begin at 9:25 PM.

The ADA-accessible viewing location will be at Murry Bergtraum Field on the Manhattan side, with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street.

Date: Friday, July 4th
Time: 8 PM to 10 PM
Location: Murry Bergtraum Field on the Manhattan side

Disability Pride Month Event in the Bronx

The Office of the Bronx Borough President and the Bronx Disability Advisory Council invites the Disability Community to join their upcoming Disability Pride Month event.

Date: Monday, July 7th
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Location: Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Website/registration link: tinyurl.com/bronxdisabilitypride2025 or Email David at dcoulibaly@bronxbp.nyc.gov, and or call 917-769-2866

July Film Screenings

Join ReelAbilities for July Disability Pride Screenings:

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Screening Dates: July 7th to July 10th

Racewalkers
Screening Dates: July 29th

Rooftop Screening: The Tallest Dwarf
Screening Dates: July 31st

For film times and theater locations please visit ReelAbilities website at https://reelabilities.org/newyork

Your Voice Matters to OPWDD!

OPWDD is pleased to invite you to one of our 2025 Strategic Planning Forums.

Focused on the 2023 – 2027 OPWDD Strategic Plan and the agency's progress to date, these forums are an opportunity for you to learn more about the agency's work, tell us about your experience, and to share your thoughts and ideas for the future.

Date: Wednesday, July 9th
Time: 1 PM to 3 PM
Location: Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Register Here

Senate Hearing on CDPAP

CDPAP is a lifeline for many New Yorkers with disabilities. A public hearing on its administration is taking place this Wednesday, July 9 in Manhattan. While testimony is by invitation, the public is welcome to attend. Learn more about how you can observe and support accessible home care in NYC.

Date: Wednesday, July 9th
Time: 9 AM
Location: Senate Hearing Room (19th Floor) | 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 US
Registration/Link: Host contact information Ilana Berger, Ilana@caringmajorityrising.org, 347-645-4255 or click here to RSVP

NDI's Bookkeeping & Accounting Essentials for Startups!

For new entrepreneurs and small business owners, join National Disability Institute to learn how to manage your business finances, avoid common tax mistakes, and set up your EIN for free.

Date: Wednesday, July 9
Time: 2 PM
Location: Online Webinar

Registration

New Queens Borough Hall Steps Ribbon-Cutting Event

NYC DDC, DCAS and the Queens Borough President are hosting a ribbon cutting event for the new Queens Borough Hall steps. The project includes ADA upgrades.

Date: Wednesday, July 9th
Time: 2 PM
Location: This event is open to invited guests hosted by the Queens Borough Hall. Location details will be provided upon confirmation from invited guests

Travel Without Limits

Ready to explore the world without limits? Join Mount Sinai Hospital for a powerful webinar designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other mobility disabilities who want to travel confidently and comfortably.

From booking accessible flights and finding wheelchair-friendly accommodations to airport hacks and on-the-go safety—our travel-savvy speakers (with lived experience!) will share tools, resources, and real-world tips to help make your next trip smooth, safe, and empowering.

Date: Thursday, July 10th
Time: 4 PM
Location: Online Webinar
Registration/Link: https://mountsinai.zoom.us/meeting/register/6bBPsxIdTv-qZtW_dXdOzg#/registration

ADAPT Community Network Benefits & Entitlements Webinar for People with Disabilities

We will explore governmental and non-governmental support services, benefits, and entitlements for persons with disabilities and their families. Throughout your journey, support will be needed and there is a multitude of resources out there that can make that journey a lot easier if you know where to look, how to qualify and steps you need to take to obtain all the benefits and entitlements that can bring some stress relief and maximize independence. We will explore the well-known benefits you have heard about but also, we will share lesser-known benefits that can truly enrich your lives and make life more optimistic as you are supported to be your best possible self.

Date: Thursday, July 10th
Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
Location: Online Webinar
Registration/Link: https://s06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4o8tX7TSTfWp1G5smHGCtw#/registration

Mapathon in collaboration with AARP

To promote accessibility in our communities, join AXS Map as we survey the accessible features of the area near 13th Street and 5th Avenue. See you all at Parsons School of Design | The New School.

Join On AXS Map: https://axsmap.com/mapathons/684ecb8704392d776660d0c6

Download AXS Map:

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/axs-map/id554015666
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonc.axsmapathon&hl=en_US

Date: Friday, July 11th
Time: 12 PM to 2 PM
Location: N101 / Kellen Auditorium - 66 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011

"Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists": An Artmaking Workshop at the Whitney Museum

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the Whitney Museum of American Art presents a community artmaking workshop led by Annie Nishwani Lachhman, a disabled artist, and Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad, an award-winning disability inclusion educator. This intergenerational program invites disabled participants and their families—as well as allies of all ages and backgrounds—to explore the meaning of Disability Pride through creativity and connection.

The workshop introduces the symbolism of the progressive Disability Pride flags and invites reflection on disability identity, visibility, and joy. Participants will create their own art inspired by the themes of belonging and pride.

This program has been intentionally designed with care for disabled visitors and their loved ones. ASL interpretation will be provided, and masking is encouraged (masks will be available).

Disability Pride Month, held every July, commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. This event offers a welcoming space to celebrate disability culture, representation, and community.

To request additional access services or ask questions, please contact: accessfeedback@whitney.org

Date: Sunday, July 13th
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Whitney Museum of American Art - 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Registration/Link: https://whitney.org/events/disability-pride-artmaking25

Disability Unite Festival

Join MOPD at the Disability Unite Festival

Information from the Disability Unite website: "Celebrate Disability Pride at Disability Unite Festival 2025! Come together with friends and family virtually on this website, or in-person at the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell in New York City to celebrate community and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For virtual participants, the Disability Unite Festival will be livestreamed and continue to be offered on this website [see below] with all access accommodations for those unable to travel or not located in NYC."

Date: Sunday, July 13th
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM in person, 4 PM to 6 PM virtual only
Location: Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park
Website: https://disabilityunite.org

Jobs NYC Brooklyn Job Fair

If you're a job seeker, you're in the right place. Jobs NYC is a campaign that brings the city's range of workforce services to a neighborhood near you through resource fairs held and hiring events in each borough. Jobs NYC will be hosting our Brooklyn Job Fair. Whether you are ready to interview with resume in hand or looking for other resources, we're committed to meeting you where you're at.

Come join us if you are looking for:

Opportunities to interview for city agencies
Face time with private employers across the city
Access to workforce development trainings and programs

The Job Fair will be from 10:00am-2:00pm, but we request attendees register for and attend one of the four timeslots to ensure the best experience for attendees! **DOORS WILL CLOSE AT 1:30**

We look forward to you joining us for a chance to connect with potential employers and other career service providers!

To save time at the job fair, please register in advance as a client of the Workforce1 Career Center System by signing up at: https://a801-worksource1.nyc.gov/

Date: Tuesday, July 15th
Time: 10 AM to 2 PM
Location: Brooklyn Workforce1 Career Center at 9 Bond Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website/registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jobs-nyc-brooklyn-job-fair-tickets-1431499516589

Don't Miss: NYC DOT's Info Session on Accessible Transportation

Join the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) for an online session for older adults and people with disabilities. Hear from key transportation agencies, learn about new accessibility programs, and get tips and tools to help you get around more easily.

Whether you're a regular transit rider, a caregiver, or just getting started, this session will give you helpful information to support your travel in the Greater NYC area.

Event Details: Navigating NYC With Confidence: An Info Session on Accessible Transportation.

ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided. For any other accommodation request, email MobilityManagement@dot.nyc.gov by Friday, July 11.

For assistance with registration, email MobilityManagement@dot.nyc.gov or call 212-839-3260.

This is the first event in NYC DOT's new Access to Independence program. This event series helps older adults and people with disabilities learn about accessible transportation and connect with service providers.

Hosted in partnership with:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYC TLC)
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)

Date: Thursday, July 17th
Time: 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Online Event
Website/registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigate-nyc-with-confidence-an-info-session-on-accessible-transportation-tickets-1415759537889

Unlearning Ableism: Disability in the Age of Social Media

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the National Organization on Disability is sitting down with a panel of disability influencers, activists, and personalities to discuss what it means to be truly inclusive, combat ableism, and the role mental health plays in online advocacy.

Date: Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Time: 1 PM to 2 PM
Location: Zoom link upon registration for this webinar
Website/registration link: https://nod.org/unlearning-ableism/

Citywide 55-a Diversity Career Fair

Co-hosted by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities in celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Date: Thursday, July 17th

Program is open to NYCATWORK participants. To learn more about this initiative, please visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/mopd/initiatives/employment.page

Highlighting Digital Accessibility in Microsoft Products: a "Fireside" Chat for City Employees

This event intends to make City employees from key partners (MOPD, SBS, DCAS, and NYC Talent) aware of the new digital accessibility training available on the eLearning platform NYCityLearn. The event will be a "fireside chat" intended to explain the importance of understanding and utilizing these accessibility features, and to encourage employees to take the training as soon as possible.

Date: Monday, July 21st
Location: One Liberty Plaza, 11th Floor
Website/registration link: Open to city employees only

Informational Presentation on HPD Affordable Housing Lottery

Housing Preservation Development (HPD) is hosting an informational presentation on New York City's Affordable Housing Lottery for the Disability Community.

Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 2 PM
Location: Online Webinar
Website/registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_KQPcgiRBRWGdqzAXjPO8iA

Lunch and Learn - Accessibility, Technology and Transit in the New York Metropolitan Region

Join Partnership for New York City, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) for a lunch and learn panel that will discuss how technological innovations have impacted accessible travel and how New York City regional transit agencies have approached the use of these new technologies.

A publicly available recording will be available after the event. Attendees must register for the event. ASL and Captions will be provided. If additional accommodations are needed, please contact accessibility@mtahq.com by July 15.

Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Online event via Zoom
Website/registration link: https://mta.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kIn634hGQvKez-pDDK6ptg#/

Celebrate 35 Years of the ADA with the Bronx Independent Living Services

The Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) is hosting a focus group event to discuss the ADA.

Date: Wednesday, July 23rd
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: This event is hosted by the Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) and is by invite-only.
Registration/Link: For more information about BILS and or this event, please contact them here https://bils.org/contact-us/

Waitress: The Musical in American Sign Language

We are excited that Lincoln Center is bringing back Deaf Broadway to Damrosch Park. A live staging of the Broadway smash Waitress offers an equitable evening, with a full Deaf Broadway cast performing the music through ASL.

Date: Wednesday, July 23rd
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Damrosch Park, Amsterdam Ave. and West 62nd St., New York, NY 10023
Website/registration link: https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/waitress-the-musical-856

CPU Summer BBQs and Picnics

Constructive Partnerships Unlimited (CPU) promotes opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives. CPU is hosting their annual series of free summer BBQs and picnics for the people they support and the wider community.

Date: Thursday, July 24th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Queens, Hempstead Lake Park, 1000 Lake Drive
Registration/Link: RSVP to Kristina Sellers to attend. The email address is ksellers@cpofnys.org
Website: https://www.cpunlimited.org/our-news/cpu-summer-bbqs-and-picnics/

Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists: An Inclusive Artmaking Workshop at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Join Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists—an inclusive artmaking program that celebrates disability as an essential part of human diversity. Led by Annie Nishwani Lachhman, a disabled artist, and Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad, an educator on disability inclusion and accessibility, this intergenerational workshop invites participants of all ages and backgrounds to learn about the progressive Disability Pride flags, reflect on disability identity, and express their own stories through art.

Designed with care for disabled participants and their families, the program includes art supplies that support a wide range of access needs. The space is wheelchair accessible. ASL interpreters will be present, visual descriptions will be shared throughout, and staff are available to support a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Disability Pride Month is held every July to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this landmark legislation.

For access questions or accommodations, email visitorservices@bbg.org

Date: Thursday, July 24th
Time: 6 PM to 7 PM
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Entrances: 150 Eastern Parkway or 455 Flatbush Avenue or 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Registration/Link: https://www.showclix.com/event/brooklyn-botanic-garden-admission-2025lscbrd0/listing

ADA Celebration -- 35th Anniversary of the ADA

CIDNY is hosting a hybrid event to celebrate 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act and a discussion on Accessibility and Inclusion of People with Disabilities at the City and State legislation.

Date: Friday, July 25th
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
Location: 1010 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, NY 10018 or via Zoom. Links will be sent upon registration.
Website/registration link: https://www.tinyurl.com/CIDNY4All

ADA35: The Future is Disabled Rally and March NYC

Join the Center for Family Support, disability activists and allies to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The gathering begins with a 20‑minute rally, followed by a march up University Place, and concluding with a celebratory block party in Union Square Park

Date: Saturday, July 26th
Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
Location: MARCH ROUTE: Washington Square Park, up University Place, ending at Union Square Park, NYC
Website: https://www.cfsny.org/events/ada35-the-future-is-disabled-rally-and-march-nyc/

Staten Island Disability Pride Month Event

The office of the Staten Island Borough President in Partnership with Disability Unite invites you to the Staten Island's July Disability Pride Month celebration! Join as we exchange messages of disability pride, learn about disability inclusion, and enjoy performances and displayed works by artists with disabilities.

This year's theme is Love Unites. The event promises to be an enriching experience, featuring performances, engaging activities and a look into the importance of inclusivity and advocacy.

Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Location: College of Staten Island Performing Arts Center - Building 1P
(2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314)
Registration

For questions or accommodations, please contact Nisha Tumber at ntumber@pccsny.org 718-370-1088 ext. 250. Captioning and ASL Interpretation will be provided.

InTandem Cycling Org BBQ

The InTandem Community is invited to a Summer BBQ in celebration of 35 Years of the ADA!

Note: Please Venmo $12.50 to @Maria-Dimeglio-4 by 6/25 to cover food. There will be a cash bar.

Date: Tuesday, July 29th
Time: 6 PM
Location: Reif's Bar 302 E 92nd St, New York, NY 10128
Registration/Link: RSVP Maria at maria670@optonline.net

Deaf Town Hall

Join the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) for a Know Your Rights presentation for New York City tenants.

Accommodations requests needed by July 23rd, 2025

ASL interpreting and CART services will be provided. For any additional accommodation requests or general questions, please contact Tony Wooden - rwooden@mopd.nyc.gov. You may also call us: (646) 396-5830 (videophone).

Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom Webinar
Registration/Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_P98lZewFT92hUVaT4bZb1w#/registration

Wandercraft Tour & Exoskeleton Demonstration – ADA35 Special Event

In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has been invited to a private tour and demonstration hosted by Wandercraft. This exclusive event will include a guided tour of Wandercraft's NYC rehabilitation facility, a showcase of their innovative exoskeleton mobility technology, and an optional opportunity for up to four guests to try the device under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Open to a select group of disability advocates, allies, and wheelchair users connected to MOPD.

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Time: 2 PM to 4 PM
Location: Location details will be provided upon confirmation to invited guests.
Registration/Link: This event is hosted by Wandercraft with a limited capacity of up to 20 guests. While it is not open to the general public, we're excited to highlight this milestone as part of the City's ADA35 celebrations. For any questions, please reach out to Alana Rogers at alana.rogers@wandercraft.health

Pathways to Access: MTA and the ADA – hosted by the New York Transit Museum (NYTM) and MTA Accessibility

In celebration of the 35 years since the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), MTA Leadership and the New York Transit Museum discuss the newest accessibility enhancements in the city's transit system and the strides made to advance accessibility for all. Join us to learn about the history of MTA accessibility, as well as key initiatives such as street-to-platform elevators, modern accessible fare gates, and enhanced digital communication tools.

Moderated by Amy Boyle, Assistant Deputy Director, Education and Public Programs of the New York Transit Museum, this panel discussion includes Quemuel Arroyo, Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor to the Chairman; Shanifah Rieara, Chief Customer Officer and Senior Advisor to the Chairman; and Steven Loehr, Deputy Chief Development Officer.

If you are attending this event in person, you must register to attend and bring a photo ID to access the building

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: NYU CUSP Building in Downtown Brooklyn (370 Jay Street, Room 1201) and livestreamed via Zoom
Registration/Link: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/program/ada/

HPD In Your District Outreach Van!

July is a busy month for Housing Preservation & Development's outreach van! They'll be in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, & the Bronx for HPD In Your District. Their team can help you prepare to apply for affordable housing, file a complaint, understand your rights, & more. For the full list of schedule and locations, click here

Dates: Various dates in July.
Location: Various locations in New York City.
Registration

Higher Education Access and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities - NYLPI/AFC Postsecondary Education KYR Training

New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Advocates for Children of New York invites students with disabilities to learn about their rights in higher education. Participants will learn 1) What is a reasonable accommodation; 2) How to obtain a reasonable accommodation; 3) What to do if you're denied an accommodation; 4) Physical accessibility requirements for postsecondary schools.

Date: Wednesday, August 6th
Time: 5 PM
Location: Online Event

Registration/Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6_HRgpTLRMKFx40Fag4feA

Harlem Independent Living Center and the ADA35 Celebration

Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) is hosting an invitation-only gathering to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ADA and the reopening of their Central Harlem office.

Date: Wednesday, August 13th
Time: 4 PM
Location: Invited guests will receive the location.
Registration/Link: For more information about this event, please email
info@hilc.org or call +1-212-222-7122.
Website: https://hilc.org/