Community members came together to raise the Disability Pride flag in New Glasgow. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – New Glasgow joined other communities across the province in marking the start of Disability Pride month with a flag-raising downtown.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn July 4, community members raised the Disability Pride flag at Glasgow Square and, afterwards, had a celebratory parade.Article contentArticle contentMembers of Summer Street, a local organization that offers services and programming for people with intellectual disabilities, and People First of Nova Scotia (PFNS), partnered to put on the event.Article contentArticle content“New Glasgow is actually the first town in Nova Scotia to have a flag raising, and this is our third year doing it here,” said Willa Kray, provincial co-ordinator for PFNS.Article content TJ Smith (left), vice-president of People First of Nova Scotia’s (PFNS) Pictou County chapter, and Willa Kray, provincial coordinator for PFNS (right), leading the parade in downtown New Glasgow. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle contentIn addition to New Glasgow, PFNS said they have coordinated flag raisings in Halifax, Truro, Stellarton, Westville, and Pictou.Article content“This year, we had our first flag raising in Halifax at Province House,” said Kray. “That was huge.”Article content‘CELEBRATION OF IDENTITY’Article contentFor Crystal MacLean, secretary for the Pictou County chapter of PFNS, the meaning of Disability Pride is right in the name.Article contentIt’s about being proud and being who you want to be, she said.Article content“The turnout was amazing,” she added about the flag raising. “The speeches were great.”Article content Members of Summer Street holding signs used in the parade that happened after the flag raising event. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle contentThe event featured many guest speakers who are members of PFNS; they shared personal stories with the crowd. New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks also spoke at the event. She said she is proud of the work the town has done to improve its accessibility and inclusivity.Article contentArticle content“But we know legislation alone will not make Nova Scotia accessible. Real change requires listening to disabled persons and their families, understanding what barriers are, and working together to remove and prevent them,” she continued.Article content New Glasgow mayor Nancy Dicks speaking at the Disability Pride flag raising. Photo by Aidan Rawding /The NewsArticle content“That is why we remain committed to our accessibility action plan and to fostering a culture shift where differences drive innovation and inclusion.”Article contentDicks hopes the Disability Pride flag will serve as a reminder for all who walk by it in Glasgow Square.Article content“Let this flag serve as a visible reminder of our shared responsibility to create a more inclusive, barrier-free community for all.”Article content
New Glasgow celebrates Disability Pride month with flag raising
