Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the date and time of the 2023 Disability Pride Parade?
Parade date is Saturday, July 22nd. Parade steps off promptly at 11 a.m. - How much does it cost to participate in the Parade?
The registration fee for the Disability Pride Parade is $100 for organizations; $40 for non-profit organizations; and $10 for individuals. The registration fees help out with financials that comes with putting together our disability pride parade. - Do I have to be a person with a disability to participate in the Parade?
Absolutely not. 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. - Can I participate as an individual in the Parade?
Yes. All organized contingents must register. That is a city requirement. Individuals within these contingents do not have to register. Otherwise unaffiliated individuals will be assigned to the Individual Advocates contingent. We encourage such individuals to register individually, but this is not required. - Do I have to register if I want to participate in the Parade?
Yes, absolutely. That is a city requirement. All participating contingents must be registered. Individuals within the continents or individuals not connected to a contingent do NOT have to register although it is helpful. - How do I register to be a participant in the parade?
Registration will be opened January 1st, 2022. - Will reasonable accommodations be provided?
Yes. But you must let us know your needs by June 1st, 2022 We will supply material in large print and Braille and will have ASL interpreters and a few PAs 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 identified as a service animal. No pets are allowed. - Who should I contact if I have other questions about registration?
You can email us at [email protected] or phone us at or is 708-415-5557 - What is the Parade Route
To Be Announced - How do I get to the Parade?
To Be Announced - What are the drop-off and pick-up addresses for paratransit? If you are marching in the parade, give paratransit 401 S. Plymouth Court as the drop-off address. The pick-up address at the end of the parade at Daley Plaza is 50 W. Washington.
- How long is the Parade Route?
A little more than a mile through the heart of downtown Chicago. - Where should we park on the day of the Parade? 1. 318 S. Federal
Self-Park
Cash or credit
Van-accessible
Open: 24/7
2. 131 S. Dearborn
Self-Park
Cash or Credit Card
3. 30 W. Monroe
24/7 Self or Attendant Park
Cash or Credit Card
Van Accessible
Open 24/7
4. 120 N. LaSalle St.
Attendant Park
Cash or Credit
Open: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
5. 412 S. Dearborn
Attendant Park
Cash or Credit Card
Open: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
6. 181 N. Dearborn
Self-Park
Cash or Credit Card
Van Accessible
Open: 24/7
7. 181 N. Clark
Self Park
Cash or Credit Card
Van Accessible on to 2nd floor
Open: 24/7 - We want to do a float for the Parade. What do we need to know?
All floats in the Parade must be street-legal. We suggest that you contact a Float company, such as Associated Attractions or ABC Floats, for more information on the specific dimensions and requirements of floats in the City of Chicago.
ABC Parade Floats 3375 W. Columbus Ave. Chicago, IL 60652 (773) 436-4499 Phone (773) 436-0356 Fax Web Address: www.abcparadefloats.com Email: [email protected]
Associated Attractions 4834 S Halsted St, Chicago, 60609; (773) 376-1900 - What happens if it rains?
We will be marching rain or shine, so come prepared. - What is a Grand Marshal?
The Grand Marshal leads the Parade. The person chosen as Grand Marshal embodies the principles of the Parade. - Who is this year’s Grand Marshal?
To Be Announced - Will there be entertainment at the parade?
If you have any suggestions or questions about entertainers, please email us at [email protected] or phone phone # is 312.502.7663 (voice) - What else is happening over the weekend?
To Be Announced - Can I make a donation if I can't come?
Yes, please do! We need all the financial help we can get. It takes a lot of money to put together a parade: stages, tents, sound systems, programs, port-a-potties, permits. You can donate online via credit card. Check the home page of the site. You can also send a donation via snail mail.
Please make checks payable to The Disability Pride Parade Association. Please mail all donations to:
Disability Pride Parade
1235 N. Clybourn, #312
Chicago, IL 60610 - Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, The Disability Pride Parade Association is a 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations and co-sponsorships are tax deductible. - How can I volunteer and help out?
We can use all kinds of help, from stuffing envelopes to making posters to returning phone calls. Please e-mail us at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. - What is disability pride?
Sarah Triano, founder of the Disability Pride Parade, set the goal: “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.” That's a personal and radical concept. Persons with disabilities must live and breathe it in order to communicate it to one another and society.
We are a society that can not afford to throw away any person. Life and the many ways in which we live it is a prideful and precious thing. Not only do we as disabled people need to celebrate ourselves, our fellow citizens need to recognize the many ways in which we add to the world. Disability Pride is knowing that everything we are is something in which to take pride. - Why are we having a parade about disability pride?
The sad sack, the brave overcomer, and the incapable are worn-out stereotypes the parade refutes by giving us a time and space to celebrate ourselves as we are. First, we want to show the world the incredible joy that exists in our lives. We are part of the richness and diversity of this country and the world. The Parade is an international celebration of our continued and continuing survival. By marching in this parade, we are giving the world a chance to express pride in us, too! We will not hide behind doors. We are in the street! - I can't make it to Chicago. What can I do in my own community to celebrate disability pride?
A gazillion things: 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 Whatever 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 intend to say it, sing it, walk and talk it… we are and intend to be proud. JOIN US!- Have your own parade! It doesn’t take much except pride (and an ability to work VERY hard).
- Have a picnic and make sure it’s accessible to everyone.
- Do a ribbon day! Have every one in your church, college, business, nursery school, etc., wear green, orange, and purple ribbons for the day.
- Take out an ad in your local newspaper and write about Disability Pride.
- Call a popular radio station in your town and see if they’ll let you talk about disability pride.
- What are the benefits of becoming a sponsor?
Organizational listing on all Disability Pride Parade promotional materials;
Organizational logo and link on the official Disability Pride Parade website (www.disailityprideparade.org) and The exclusive right to set up an information booth/table at the post-Parade celebration. - What is required of sponsors?
- Make a donation to the effort; Use PayPal or your own Visa, Master Card. See Home page
- Help publicize the Parade and celebration through e-mailings, "snail" mailings, postings on your website, phone calling, announcements in your newsletter and at your meetings;
- Commit to sending a representative from your organization to the Parade.
- Who should I contact if I, or my organization, wants to become a sponsor?
Click on the menu item: DONATE/SPONSOR and follow the instructions.