Be a Vendor

Sponsor the Event

Volunteer Opportunties

Click HERE to Register

Silicon Valley Independent Living Center welcomes all to join our friends, family, allies and partner organizations as the Disability Community gathers to celebrate disability pride and social justice for all!

Event Parade Details
The Parade is Saturday, July 23, 2011 and commemorates the 21st Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. from Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County at 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, 95131. Individuals and Contingents participating in the parade will need to park at Catholic Charities. Parade check-in and line-up begins at 9 a.m.

(Note: At 10:15 a.m. the city will be closing N. First Street along the parade route from Brokaw to Trimble and on Trimble from N. First Street to Zanker Road in preparation for the parade. Police will be re-directing traffic, but please arrive before that time if you arriving by car.)

Registration for SVILC's 2nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade and Festival is now live, All parade participants must register. Click HERE or call us at 408.894.9041 or 1.866.945.2205 TTY to register.

2011 Grand Marshals
This year SVILC is honored to have three exceptional women who are leaders in the disability rights community and social justice movements. They are:

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).

Event Festival Details
The Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will begin with a few words from our Grand Marshals on the Main Stage. Lunch will be available onsite on a first-come first-serve basis. A six-inch Subway sandwich (choice of turkey, ham, roast beef and vegetarian with condiments on the side), bag of chips and a beverage will be available for a donation of $5. Throughout the afternoon there will be entertainment, art activities, fun for kids, and an opportunity to tour our Center. There is no cost to attend.

Check out the line up of activities and fun stuff we have planned for the big day, Saturday, July 23 at the Parade & Festival!

At parade line-up we will have

• The acoustical musical talents of Elizabeth Pope, Disability Rights Advocate and Youth Leader
• A DJ spinning some hot jams to get our energy amped up!
• Fun and fabulous cheers by College of Adaptive Arts
• Cheerleaders from the San Francisco 49ers
• Welcoming remarks from long-time ally Assemblymember Jim Beall

On the mainstage at the festival we have a fabulous line-up of performers including

• Remarks by leaders in the disability rights community
• Introduction of the Justin Dart Puppet
• Comments by local dignitaries Kansen Chu and Paul Fong
• Aztec Dancers
• Poetry reading
• Comedy Skit
• Break dancing performance
• Hala Egyptian Dancers
  

And last but not least, LOTS of FUN for youth!

• Facepainting
• Wii gaming
• Art activities
• Fun and wild hair stylings (braiding, feathers, hair spray color, glitter)
• Balloon animals
• Break dancing clinic

We will be having a drawing for a free, accessible playhouse, plus a raffle for some great prizes including Great America Theme Park tickets, a two-nights stay at Homewood Suites, and various gift cards, just to name a few.

Don't forget your camera, some cash to donate for lunch, a t-shirt or enter in the raffles, your sunglasses and comfortable shoes! It is going to be a fun fun fun day!

Transportation Scholarships are Available for Travel Assistance
NOTE: CLOSED FOR APPLICANTS
Submit your request for transportation assistance no later than July 1, 2011. To complete the online application form click HERE. For additional information, or assistance, contact Firdosh Agarwal at SVILC 408-894-9041 (voice) 866-945-2205 (tty) or email firdosha@svilc.org.

Transportation grants will be considered for Disability Community members who would like to participate in West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival by joining in the Parade procession, the Disability Resource Fair and Festival. Registration in the Parade is REQUIRED. To register click HERE.

Transportation funds are available to individuals as well as organizations, their staff and volunteers. Grants may include funds for accessible rental bus, light rail, train, or airplane travel. Applicants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and keeping proof of purchase for reimbursements. Travel scholarships are not paid in advance. We encourage all individuals to contact their local Independent Living Center, Systems Change Advocate, to organize group travel.

Scholarship funds are limited. All scholarship requests will be reviewed and those funded through a reimbursement process will be notified on/or before July 8, 2011. The funds are provided by State Independent Living Council.

Festival Vendor Information
If your group or organization would like to reach out to the local disability community we invite you to reserve a table. The $100 donation includes: 1 six-foot table, two chairs and a shaded canopy. Canopies limited to first 30 registrants. Other benefits include your company or organization's name listed in the event program and event advertising, as well as special advertising on the SVILC website for all non-profit organizations at this sponsorship level.

For more information call Kathy Romero at 408.894.9041 (voice) or 866.945.2205 (TTY) or email kathyr@svilc.org.

Become a Sponsor
Become a part of history by sponsoring SVILC's 2^nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival. For its second year, SVILC is proud to bring this tradition of disability community pride to the Bay Area. As a not-for-profit organzation, you financial support is a key component for us to make this event a sucess and ensure its presence in the years to come.

Click HERE to read more about the detailed benefits of our Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information contact: Debra Sue Stevens, Development & Communications Director: Email debras@svilc.org Call 408.894.9041 x209 (voice) or 866.945.2205 (TTY).

Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to be a part of the team that is making history hosting the 2^nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival, there are many ways that you can participate! We would welcome assistance in planning now and the day of with tasks such as set-up, greeters, art activities and clean up. For more information on how you can get involved call Chau Mai at 408.894.9041 (voice) or 866.945.2205 (TTY) or email chaum@svilc.org.

Youth Participation Opportunities
We are looking for some energetic and talented youth with and without disabilties to be a part of this year's celebration! If you are a member of a band or pep squad (not necessarily a school band), or you have some other way you would like to participate, please let us know. Call Eliza Riley at 408.894.9041 (voice) or 866.945.2205 (TTY) or email elizar@svilc.org.

Parade Mission
To change the way people think about and define “disability”; to breakdown and end the internalized shame among people with disabilities; and to promote the belief in society that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

A Statement on Disability Pride
Disability Pride represents a rejection of the notion that our physical, sensory, mental, and cognitive differences from the non-disabled standard are wrong or bad in any way, and is a statement of our self-acceptance, dignity and pride. It is a public expression of our belief that our disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, a celebration of our heritage and culture, and a validation of our experience. Disability Pride is an integral part of movement building, and a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability. It is a militant act of self-definition, a purposive valuing of that which is socially devalued, and an attempt to untangle ourselves from the complex matrix of negative beliefs, attitudes, and feelings that grow from the dominant group's assumption that there is something inherently wrong with our disabilities and identity.'

A Statement on Social Justice
SVILC's 2nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival touches upon each aspect of SVILC’s mission. The 2011 theme is Building a CommUNITY of Social Justice. One of SVILC’s core values is Equality and Social Justice… “We support the equality of all people. We are committed to disability justice and to larger social justice…We value the equality of people with different types of disabilities. Recognizing that we cannot address all of society’s problems on our own, we partner with other social justice organizations… and work together towards justice and equality.”

Video from SVILC's 2010 West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Parade

Can I participate as an individual in the Parade?
Do I have to register if I want to participate in the Parade?
How much does it cost to participate in the Parade?
Can I come to the Festival if I can't come to the Parade? Can I come to the Parade even if I can't stay for the Festival?
Do I have to be a person with a disability to participate in the Parade?
Will reasonable accommodations be provided?
Are service animals allowed in the Parade and at the Festival?
Who should I contact if I have other questions about registration?
How long is the Parade route?
Where will there be parking available?
Will there be public restrooms available at the Parade start location?
Are floats allowed in the Parade?
Are signs and banners allowed in the Parade?
What happens if it rains? Or if it is unseasonably warm?
Who is this year's Grand Marshal?

Festival

Where is the Festival location?
What time will the Festival begin?
Will food and beverages be available at the Festival?
Will there be restrooms available for public use?
Where can we park at the Festival?
What if it is raining or unseasonably warm?
What will be happening at the Festival?
Will reasonable accommodations be provided?

In General

What do the symbols in the logo represent?
Can I make a donation if I can't come?
Are donations tax-deductible?
What can I do in my own community to celebrate disability pride?

Can I participate as an individual in the Parade?
Yes. Anyone who registers individually (not part of an organization) will be able to march/roll/ride as an Independent Advocate.

Do I have to register if I want to participate in the Parade?
Yes. This can be done as a pre-registration process online by clicking here, or onsite at parade line-up the morning of the parade. All participating contingents must be registered. Each individual within the contingents does not have to register, although we would like to have their contact information if available.

How much does it cost to participate in the Parade?
There is no registration fee. However, if people are able, we do suggest a registration donation of $10 for individuals; $25 for not-for-profit organizations; and $50 for for-profit organizations.

Can I come to the Festival if I can't come to the Parade? Can I come to the Parade even if I can't stay for the Festival?
Yes, absolutely. We would love to see you at both events, but attendance isn't required for one to attend the other. Come as you can and enjoy!

Do I have to be a person with a disability to participate in the Parade?
No. The Disability Pride Parade is an opportunity for us to celebrate and strengthen the pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies. Everyone who believes that disability is a natural part of human diversity and supports Disability Pride is invited to be a part of the Parade.

Will reasonable accommodations be provided?
Yes. But you must let us know your needs in advance. We can supply material in large print and Braille and will have ASL interpreters and a few Personal Assistants at the Parade. When you register, please indicate what type of accommodation you will need.

Are service animals allowed in the Parade?
Yes, as long as it is a certified service animal. No pets are allowed.

Who should I contact if I have other questions about registration?
You can email Matthew Taylor at matthewt@svilc.org or call us at 408.894.9041, 866.945.2205 TTY

How long is the Parade Route?
1 mile.

Where should I park on the day of the Parade?
There is ample free parking at Catholic Charities, if you are participating in the parade. Following the parade, Outreach will be running a shuttle to return you to Catholic Charities, from the SVILC offices, leaving every half-hour from 12 noon. to 3 p.m. If you are coming to the Festival only, there is ample parking around the SVILC offices.

Will there be public restrooms available at Catholic Charities, the Parade start location?
Yes. Catholic Charities is kindly opening their office restrooms for our use.

Are floats allowed in the Parade?
No floats or vehicles in this year's parade.

Are signs and banners allowed in the Parade?
Yes, as long as they are aligned with the theme of disability pride and social justice.

What happens if it rains? Or if it unseasonably warm?
We will be marching rain or shine, so come prepared.

Who is this year's Grand Marshal?
The 2011 Grand Marshals are 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).

FESTIVAL

Where is the Festival location?
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, 2202 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95131

What time will the Festival begin?
Upon conclusion of the Parade and reopening of the street, approximately 11 a.m.

Will lunch be available at the Festival?
Yes, lunch will be available onsite on a first-come first-serve basis. A six-inch Subway sandwich (choice of turkey, ham, roast beef and vegetarian with condiments on the side), bag of chips and a beverage will be available for purchase for $5.

Will there be restrooms available for public use?
Yes, SVILC's restrooms will be available for public use, as well as accessible portapotties outside.

Where can we park at the Festival?
Free parking will be available in the SVILC parking lot.

What if it is raining or unseasonably warm?
The event will take place, rain or shine.

What will be happening at the Festival?
Enjoy visiting the tables of participating organizations, kids crafts, stage entertainment, and special guest speakers.

Will reasonable accommodations be provided?
Yes, but you must let us know your needs at least 72 hours in advance. We can supply material in large print and Braille and will have ASL interpreters and a few Personal Assistants at the Parade. When you register, please indicate what type of accommodation you will need.

IN GENERAL

What do the symbols in the logo, and the logo itself represent?

We believe this parade logo symbolizes examples of progressive social justice movements throughout history that have struggled for civil and human rights, including environmental rights. The movements highlighted this year are (clockwise) are all different but similar:

• Farmworker’s Movement
• American Indian Coalition
• Feminist Movement
• Gay Rights and Today, LGBT
• Black Power
• Recycle Symbol for Sustainability Movement
• “Rolling” Universal Disabled Symbol (center)
• Peace Symbol (Background)

One common thread is when movements mobilize groups and individuals to make a better community, change happens – when such movements mobilize together social justice happens for all our communities.

Can I make a donation if I can't come?
Yes. Your financial support is appreciated. You can donate online via credit card through our website or send a donation via snail mail. Please make checks payable to Silicon Valley Independent Living Center. Write "ADA"in the memo portion of your check.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. SVILC's Tax ID# is 94-2332246

What can I do in my own community to celebrate disability pride?
Reach out to folks with disabilities with activities promoting positive self-image, build a cross-disabilities community, expect the best from people and you'll get it
1. Have a picnic and make sure it’s accessible to everyone.
2. Do a ribbon day! Have every one in your church, college, business, nursery school, etc., wear green, orange, and purple ribbons for the day.
3. Take out an add in your local newspaper and write about Disability Pride.
4. Call a popular radio station in your town and see if they’ll let you talk about disability pride.

What ever you do – understand that the more we do the more our pride shines and grows. All people with all kinds of disabilities have a right to be proud! We will say it, sing it, walk and talk it… we are disabled and proud!