The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and its supporting departments, invite you to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Through virtual and in-person events, CNRA departments, commissions, and conservancies will be honoring disabled leaders in the environmental field who work to protect the environment for current and future generations and encourage others to become environmental stewards.
This year’s Disability Pride Month theme, “Proud to Be Me,” celebrates the power of authenticity, self-acceptance and visibility. Pride fluorishes when people are seen, respected and fully included as their whole selves. Join us throughout July for events and activities that honor the diverse experiences of people with disabilities, uplift their contributions and advance equity across California.
Special thanks to the Department of Rehabilitation for their partnership and invaluable contributions to launch Disability Pride Month programming at the California Natural Resources Agency.
Ice Cream Social Hour
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Location: CNRA Headquarters – 715 P Street, 20th Floor Café, Sacramento, CA
Description: Join us for a gathering of sweet connection in honor of Disability Pride Month! A relaxed Ice Cream Social Hour will be hosted. All potluck items are welcome – sweet or savory. Bring your favorite topping, candy, treat, sauce, ice cream “vehicle” (cone or bowl), fruit, or even a savory snack if ice cream is not your thing.
Volunteer Event: emPOWERment Park Clean Up
Time: 8 am – 10:30 am
Location: EmPOWERment Park – 1124 Bell Street (Corner of Bell St. and Clinton Rd.)
Registration: emPOWERment Park Clean Up Sign Up Form
Description: Come join the CNRA Disability Advisory Committees (DAC’s) and the Mission Oaks Park District to help with some light cleanup and prep work at new emPOWERment Park in Sacramento!
What to bring and wear: Work gloves, closed toe shoes, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt for safety and comfort.
Speaker Series: The World Works Better with Us: The Power of Leaders with Disabilities
Time: 12 noon to 1pm
Location: Virtual
Registration link: https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B2L-1uRgSD2U9HySxZjzag#/registration
Description: Join Secretary Wade Crowfoot and leaders from across California for a conversation inspired by this year's theme, "The World Works Better With Us."
Through personal stories and discussion, panelists will explore how perspectives from the disabled community strengthen workplaces, communities, outdoor recreation, and public policy. They will reflect on the progress achieved, the impact of recent federal policy changes, and the shared responsibility of building a California where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive.
Lunchtime Fidget, Focus and Fun Game Day
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Location: CNRA Headquarters Lobby
Description: Come join us during lunchtime to learn about fidget toys! Fidgets are for everyone and creates a sensory experience that redirects the focus from anxiety and stress to calmness and play.
Disability Pride Month Career Panel
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Location: Virtual
Registration Link: Disability Pride Month Career Panel
Description: Please join the California Natural Resources Agency(CNRA) and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR for an engaging panel discussion featuring state workers with disabilities who have achieved significant career success, along with an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in reaching their professional goals. Panelists will share their experiences, discuss strategies for navigating the workplace, and highlight efforts to advance equity, inclusion, accessibility, and positive change across state government.
Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month, an annual celebration of differing abilities that connects back to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a ruling prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. This is a time to honor and uplift the identities, resilience and contributions of disabled people across our country. The disability pride flag colors symbolize a variety of experiences:
- Red: physical disabilities
- Gold: cognitive and intellectual disabilities
- White: nonvisible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue: psychiatric disabilities
- Green: sensory disabilities
- Black: honoring those who have died due to negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness, and eugenics
