WBFO Disabilities Beat

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Disabilities Beat: Buffalo celebrates 36th ADA anniversary with Disability Pride Festival

Emyle Watkins

On Friday, July 24, Buffalo celebrated the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, at RiverWorks with the annual Disability Pride Festival.

Local

New sensory trail opens at Chestnut Ridge Park, expanding accessibility options

Brian Chojnacki

A one-of-a-kind sensory trail in Erie County has been installed at Chestnut Ridge Park and is now open to the public.

About two dozen people are walking in a parade through the RiverWorks parking lot. Some people are using wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices. The three people in front are holding a light blue banner that says L.E.A.D.E.R.S.

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Disabilities Beat: Disability Pride Festival expands as it celebrates the 'Art of Access'

Emyle Watkins

Buffalo's Disability Pride Festival returns to Riverworks Friday with a national music duo, expanded accessibility and the theme "Art of Access."

Michelle, an artist at Starlight Studio, stands posing below her artwork.

Local

Starlight's 'Star-tastic' summer art show kicks off Friday night

Emyle Watkins

Starlight Studio's Star-tastic summer art show and sale supports disabled artists in downtown Buffalo Friday.

OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer responds to a question at an agency forum at Buffalo's Central Library on July 15, 2026 in downtown Buffalo, N.Y.

Local

'I can't understand this system': advocates voice concerns at OPWDD forum in Buffalo

Emyle Watkins

Clients, families and professionals urged OPWDD to improve housing, care coordination and other services as Commissioner Willow Baer heard concerns at a Buffalo forum.

The Disability Pride Flag flies in the wind above Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo, New York on July 8, 2026.

Local

Disabilities Beat: What the phrase 'Disability Pride' means

Emyle Watkins

This week on the Disabilities Beat, we share where the phrase comes from, what it means and why it's separate from, but similar to, LGBTQ+ pride.

People dance at a block party in the parking lot of Independent Living of Niagara County on July 10, 2026 in Niagara Falls, New York.

Local

Niagara Falls residents celebrate upcoming disability rights anniversary with block party

Emyle Watkins

Independent Living of Niagara County marked the upcoming 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with this celebration.

Image Left: Disability Pride Flag flies in the wind in Downtown Buffalo. Image Right: City of Buffalo ADA Advocate Brittney Montgomery, longtime activist B.J. Stasio, and Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan move the crank raising the disability pride flag.

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'The fight continues and we're winning:' Buffalo raises Disability Pride Flag

Emyle Watkins

The month of July is Disability Pride Month and several events throughout the region, including the fourth annual flag raising, celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Three people pose together for a photo in front of a large event tent. One person is using a motorized wheelchair and the other two people are sitting on a concrete block.

Local

Disabilities Beat: Goodyear whistleblower honored, SNAP cuts, WNY Disability Pride Festival

Emyle Watkins

Former DEC engineer and Goodyear whistleblower is honored, SNAP cuts raise food insecurity concerns and Buffalo's Disability Pride Festival returns this July.

USA Niagara Development President, at lectern, stands in front of what will become The Nest residential housing, speaking of the project's importance for Niagara Falls.

Local

Local and state leaders praise affordable housing project's future impact for Niagara Falls

Alex Simone

A nearly $40 million housing project lies on the horizon in Niagara Falls, representing a potential new source of affordable and market-price housing for residents.