Disability Pride and Joy Through Art: An Inclusive Workshop at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Disability-Led and Community-Focused
There’s always a first time for everything, that “first” looked like a powerful new chapter for inclusive arts programming & a celebration of Disability Pride in NYC. On July 25th, 2024, Annie and I brought Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, creating an unforgettable afternoon of accessible art-making, community storytelling, and identity celebration. What was originally intended as a “drop-in” event quickly evolved into a vibrant, full-hearted celebration of disability pride, creative expression, and human connection.

Opening the Conversation with Storytelling
We began by introducing ourselves with visual descriptions and sharing why we created Accessible Travel NYC, a disability-led organization committed to disability inclusion and accessibility within all areas of travel and tourism.

As part of our workshop, we explored the four models of disability—medical, charity, religious, and social justice—and how these impact the way people understand and relate to disability. Our family shared personal stories of moving from shame into pride, which resonated deeply with attendees.

Participants were especially interested about the Disability Pride Flag—its history, meaning, and symbolism. Annie introduced her own five reimagined designs of the flag, reflecting a powerful intersection of disability, identity, and culture. Conversations blossomed, with attendees asking questions and engaging with disability in a thoughtful way.

When Art and Advocacy Meet
Though advertised as a drop-in accessible art workshop, every attendee stayed the entire duration. Some dipped brushes into paint, others collaged, drew, or painted rocks while others were satisfied to sit and observe. Laughter and conversation flowed freely across tables and into the garden’s open-air spaces.

We provided a range of traditional and adaptive art supplies—heavy colored stock paper, small rocks, stickers, colored pencils, markers, paint sticks, waxy crayons, pipe cleaners, paint pens, dot markers, and egg crayons—to ensure access for all abilities and sensory needs.

Participants of all ages created visual narratives of activism, resistance, and joy. It was a moment of disability visibility, and a reminder that art-making can be a radical act of pride and joy.

A Community That Grows Together
Some folks proudly shared their artwork, which reflected their lived disability experiences and intersectionality.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden captured the heart of the day beautifully in their reflection:

“The collaboration was both eye-opening and inspiring, especially seeing so many people attending the program who were open to sharing their stories, giving them the opportunity to show their disability pride. As we look toward the future, we are excited about further collaboration and expanding our partnership with Accessible Travel NYC.”

This is what inclusive community programming looks like: creating space where disabled and non-disabled people alike can grow, learn, and create together.

Leaving with Disability Pride (and a Pin)
As the sun dipped lower and jazz began playing nearby, each participant received one of Annie’s custom Disability Pride pins and her floral art cards. These keepsakes are part of her broader project highlighting disabled artists and intersectional disability representation—carrying the message that beauty and creativity flourish in disability, not despite it.

People left smiling, carrying more than art supplies—they carried a sense of belonging. The general sentiment was one of deep gratitude—for creating a program and a space centered on Disability Pride, where Disability Joy could truly exist

What’s Next & Save the Date
We’ll be back at BBG on July 24th, 2025, for another round of inclusive arts programming, deeper storytelling, and community joy. If you’re looking for disability-inclusive events in NYC, accessible family programming, or ways to explore disability pride through creative expression, we invite you to join us. Our program is thoughtfully curated for many access needs and all details will follow by mid-June.

Follow us on Instagram@AccessibleTravelNYC to be the first to know about upcoming programs.