Event
Disability Pride NYC Parade Marched Up Broadway to Union Square, NYC
On October 18, the Disability Pride NYC Parade stepped off from Madison Square Park, moved along Broadway to Union Square, and was followed by a noon-to-3pm celebration with performances, community tables and activities from more than 50 organizations and city agencies.
By NBT Editors · 2026-10-16
The Disability Pride NYC Parade took place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, under the theme "Together We Build!" With the 50th anniversary of the 1977 Section 504 sit-ins approaching, the organizers used the day to honor the disabled activists, and the civil rights and community groups who stood with them, who helped change disability rights in America. They framed the parade as part of building a New York where disabled people have the access, opportunity and power to participate, lead and shape the city.
The day ran on a fixed schedule. Participants assembled at Madison Square Park at 10am, and the parade stepped off at 11am along Broadway toward Union Square. A welcome and Grand Marshal introductions at 10:30am were streamed through the Disability Unite Live Stream Center, with CART captioning on StreamText. Spectators could cheer along Broadway as marchers and rollers passed.
Along the route, eight Theme Blocks of Pride marked disability history, culture, access, belonging, justice, solidarity, disabled leadership and the future being built together. Participants could join a block and bring signs, advocacy messages or their own creative touches.
The Union Square celebration ran from noon to 3pm. It offered live performances, disabled artists and community leaders, interactive arts and recreation, and tables from more than 50 community organizations and city agencies. The eight themes carried over into the park as community tables and activities, including a kid-focused Passport Adventure, and the program also marked Blind Equality Achievement Month. At 1:20pm, the Chance 2 Dance community dance invited people to join seated, standing, rolling or moving in their own way. Grand Marshal recognition and remarks followed at about 1:30pm.
The 2026 Grand Marshals were Mary Patterson-LeDonne, Carr Massi, Martha Jackson, Khalia Hayslett, Chris D. Greif, Eric Blessed Carpenter-Grantham and Kiana Vion Glanton. The organizers also honored the late Don Jacobs, Four Wheel City, and the CWA Local 1180 Committee on People with Disabilities.
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