The Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Public Library are inviting families and individuals with disabilities to celebrate Disability Pride Month at the Woodland Park Rose Garden this month.
During the two-hour event on July 27, kids and adults of all abilities can participate in free inclusive activities, from a performance by Coast Salish Stories to an oral story time with ASL interpretation to a zoo-facilitated animal experience to a story stroll in the location’s Sensory Garden. The story stroll will follow the braille-enhanced storybook “I am a Masterpiece” by Mia Armstrong. It’s an empowering story about inclusivity and growing up with Down syndrome.
The event will include information booths from organizations like The Arc of King County, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, and the Music Center of the Northwest. Seattle Public Library’s bookmobile will also be on site.
The Sensory Garden at Woodland Park Rose Garden opened in 2018 and was designed for those with and without disabilities to touch and explore. It includes deep-toned wind chimes, temple bells, and guiros—rectangular wooden posts with slots that create noise when touched. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-approved bathrooms will be available next to the Rose Garden for the event. July 2025 amarks the 35th anniversary of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
The details
When: Sunday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Rose Garden at 750 N. 50th St., Seattle, WA 98103Â
Cost: Free. Note that parking fees apply in the zoo’s parking lots, and the closest lot is the Lion Lot. ADA-accessible parking stalls are available in all zoo lots. Parking fees do not apply in any zoo parking space for any vehicle displaying a valid accessible parking placard.Â
More about local Disability Pride Month
The month-long recognition started as a single day of celebration 1990, the year ADA was signed into law. It expanded to a four-week observance in 2015, the 25th anniversary of the act. It’s goal is to celebrate the disability community and to advocate for inclusion, visibility, and equity among all people no matter their ability.
For a full list of Disability Pride Month events throughout the Puget Sound, including the Mariners Disability Pride Night + Autism Acceptance Game on July 20, check out the Northwest ABA webite. The organization is committed to helping children and families whose physical, mental, or behavioral health may be affected by disability build better lives.
(Image: Istock.com)
Fun fact
Like many annual celebrations, Disability Pride Month is symbolized by a multi-colored flag. The flag was designed by writer Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy, in 2019. Here’s the meaning attributed to the flag by Magill:
- Red – Physical disabilities
- Gold – Neurodiversity
- White – Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue – Mental health challenges
- Green – Sensory disabilities
- Charcoal Black – Mourning and rage for the lives taken by ableist abuse and violence
