FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jody Yarborough 

June, 15, 2011 Phone: 408.894.9041 

 

SVILC TO HOST 2nd ANNUAL WEST COAST DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL 

 

Social justice for all is the backdrop for a day of disability advocacy, pride and empowerment. 

 

SAN JOSE — “JUSTICE FOR ALL” joins “DISABLED AND PROUD” as the rally phrase for Silicon Valley Independent 
Living Center’s (SVILC) 2nd Annual Disability Pride Parade & Festival on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Although this date 
commemorates the 21st Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this year’s theme is 
“Building a CommUNITY of Social Justice.” 

“As a disability justice organization, we are acknowledging how our mission intersects with other communities that have 
worked to overcome oppression in their struggle for civil rights and equality for all,” says Debra Sue Stevens, SVILC’s 
Communications Director. This parade kicks off a year-long campaign in which SVILC will establish itself as a leader in 
disability justice among the 400 Independent Living Centers nationwide. 

SVILC invites everyone to this free, fully accessible event. The day will begin with a Disability Pride Parade in which 
approximately 1,000 participants are expected to march along a 1-mile section of North First Street in San Jose, which will 
be closed to traffic. Jean Lin, Outreach Coordinator for Asian Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of CA (APIDC); Christina 
Mills, Deputy Director for the California Independent Living Center (CFILC); and Elsa Quezada, Executive Director for 
the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) are serving as parade grand marshals. All three women advocate 
for social justice and exemplify leadership in the disability rights movement. 

Also making its first public appearance in California, SVILC is proud to welcome the Justin Dart puppet. Larger than life 
measuring more than 20 feet high, made of papier-mâché and clay, the puppet is an artistic representation of the late Justin 
Dart, a pioneering advocate of the ADA. The puppet is owned by its creators, the Matrix Theater Company and tours the 
United States to help raise awareness about disability rights issues and honor Dart’s life and leadership. 

Upon conclusion of the parade, the outdoor festival will begin at SVILC with remarks from state, county and local 
dignitaries on the main stage. The program will continue with entertainment by people with disabilities and other cultures. 

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In addition, there will be more than 35 local disability-related community resource vendors providing information about 
their services. A Subway Sandwich (with chips and bottled water) will be available for purchase for $5 on a first-come first-
serve basis. 

The 2nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade is being co-organized by the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor 
Dave Cortese’s office and sponsored by SVILC, The Abilities Expo, Apple West Home Medical Supply, California 
Department of Rehabilitation-- San Jose District, City of San Jose Councilmember Kansen Chu, District 4, IBM-- Almaden 
Research Center, Outreach, Santa Clara County Firefighters--Local 1165, Valley Transportation Authority, and dozens of 
other organizations and individuals. 

For more detailed information or to watch a video that includes highlights from last year’s parade and festival please go to 
the event webpage at www.svilc.org/parade.htm. 

Specifics of event timeline: 
Parade: 
9 a.m.: Line-up and on-site registration at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 
95134 (Note: street closure of North First will be at 10:15 a.m. ) 
10:30 a.m.: Parade step-off 

Festival: 
11:30: Opening remarks on the mainstage. Entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon. 
12 noon: Lunch will be made available for purchase. 
3 p.m.: Festival concludes 

 

SVILC is a non-profit disability social justice and advocacy organization that provides comprehensive independent living 
skills services to individuals with disabilities in Santa Clara County. For more information go to www.svilc.org. 

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