by Kerri Conway

July is Disability Awareness Month. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was passed and signed into law in July 1990 which prohibits discrimination based on a person’s disability. It provides for reasonable employee accommodations and accessibility to public locations.

The Outreach & Action Committee has compiled a short list of movies and places of business that highlight the contributions of people who may have been marginalized because of their differing abilities.

Crip Camp (2020) (Netflix Rated R): An inspirational documentary that follows campers from Camp Jened, a summer camp designed for teens with disabilities, and follows them from the 1970’s as they become activists in1 the civil rights movement for people with disabilities and follows their fight for accessibility legislation.

CODA (2021) (Apple TV, Prime PG-13): True story from Gloucester, MA of a teenage girl who is the only hearing person in her family. While she is passionate about music, she is torn about pursuing that passion or helping with the family’s fishing business.

Atypical (2021) (Netflix 4 seasons TV-14): A teen with autism is seeking to become more independent once he has a girlfriend. Follow the teen and family as they navigate this journey.

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, 100 N. Main St. Providence. Daily 7AM-3PM. Coffee shop employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sweet Inspirations, 19 Central St. Milford, MA. Open Tues-Sat 11AM-6PM. A non-profit candy and retail store employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Red, White & Brew Coffeehouse, 1800 Post Rd Warwick (formerly of NS). Open Wed-Sat 8AM-2PM. A coffee and baked goods shop employing individuals with different abilities.

Additionally, we need your input. Do you have a suggestion on making our church more accessible for individuals with disabilities? If so, please give us your feedback on the paper at the end of your pew. Papers can be placed in the offering basket or in the suggestion box in the hallway. While we can’t fix everything, realistic cost-efficient tasks will give us a springboard to being more inclusive. Thank you.