Dallas marked Disability Pride Month with a significant celebratory event at City Hall, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. On July 15, 2026, the City of Dallas Office of Housing and Community Empowerment, in partnership with the Commission on Disabilities, held the first-ever Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.
The event saw a gathering of city officials, community leaders, and advocates who came together to honor the contributions of individuals with disabilities. The agenda featured speeches from prominent figures such as the Office of Housing and Community Empowerment, Commission Chair John Kalkanli, and Council Member Gay Donnell Willis. A highlight of the ceremony was the reading of the City of Dallas Disability Pride Month Proclamation, followed by the flag raising at Dallas City Hall Plaza.
Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo-Pereira emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Recognizing Disability Pride Month at City Hall is an important reminder that accessibility requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and action.” She highlighted the city’s dedication to ensuring that the voices of residents with disabilities are heard in efforts to create a more inclusive Dallas.
Council Member Gay Donnell Willis echoed this sentiment, noting the powerful message sent by the flag raising. “Raising this flag at City Hall tells every resident with a disability: You belong here. You matter here. And you deserve a Dallas that works for you,” she stated. Willis also stressed the need for continued engagement with the disability community to shape policies that impact them.
Originally redesigned in 2021 by Ann Magill, the Disability Pride Flag symbolizes the diversity of disability experiences. Its colors—red for physical disabilities, gold for neurodiversity, white for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, blue for psychiatric disabilities, and green for sensory disabilities—reflect various aspects of the disability spectrum. The diagonal design signifies the breaking of barriers.
In a decision made on June 24, 2026, the Dallas City Council approved the display of the Disability Pride Flag at City Hall Plaza from July 15 to July 31, 2026, and annually from July 1 to July 31. This initiative, recommended by the Commission on Disabilities, is a testament to the city’s ongoing efforts to foster accessibility and inclusion.
John Kalkanli, Chair of the City of Dallas Commission on Disabilities, highlighted the flag’s significance, saying, “The Disability Pride Flag affirms that people with disabilities are deserving of dignity, respect, and equal recognition. It also honors the lived experiences of individuals who came before us and pushed, spoke up, and organized to implement the change that everyone had hoped for.”
Continuing the Work
The Disability Pride Flag stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring commitment to improving access and opportunities for people with disabilities beyond this month of celebration.
Resources
For more information about services and resources available to Dallas residents, community organizations, and businesses, you can visit the Dallas City News website.
Get Involved
Residents, City employees, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to support accessibility efforts. Find out how you can contribute by visiting the city’s official channels.
About the City of Dallas Office of Housing and Community Empowerment
This office focuses on enhancing the quality of life for all Dallas residents by coordinating housing, social, and human services to tackle homelessness, increase affordable housing, and promote opportunities through data-driven strategies.
About the City of Dallas Commission on Disabilities
The Commission on Disabilities serves as an advisory body to the Dallas City Council and City staff on issues affecting residents with disabilities. It advocates for accessible programs, services, and facilities, and fosters community engagement.
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