Understanding Our Differences

Next week people with disabilities, local election officials, and voters are invited to test out accessible voting equipment and provide your feedback. The Accessible Voting Equipment Vendor Fair closest to us is at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown on Thurs. 8/13 from 10AM to 1PM.

These vendor fairs are the first step in the state's process to upgrade from Massachusetts' existing accessible voting equipment.
Each fair is scheduled for three hours. Drop in anytime to review the equipment, ask questions, and provide your feedback!

Summer is great reading time, and here from our dear friend Emily Ladau Words I Wheel By is a fantastic list of children’s books with positive disability representation that she wished she had growing up. Happy reading!

Enjoy this wonderful article and photos from the July 19th Disability Pride Celebration, from Fig City News!

Newton celebrates Disability Pride with music, art, and community Each square of the quilt created during the Newton Disability Pride Celebration told a brief, personal story through abstract designs, colorful scenes, and poignant statements. “Everyone shares their voice” as part of the project, said visual artist, educator, and disability advocate Bill Porter...

Now a “can’t miss” summer event in Newton, yesterday’s Disability Pride Celebration attracted a large, enthusiastic crowd. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of art, games, music by Oskar and Friends, and community as they celebrated Disability Pride Month. Working together with the guidance of artist Bill Porter, the group created a colorful Disability Pride quilt filled with messages and images of solidarity to cap off the afternoon. Many thanks to our event partners City of Newton Commission On Disability and Newton Free Library for another great collaboration!

July is Disability Pride Month, and this year, we’re throwing a celebration! Join us for the Disability Pride Celebration on Sunday, July 19th from 2:00 to 4:00pm at The Cooper Center in Newton! Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, games and activities, food, and community. Co-sponsored with City of Newton Commission On Disability and Newton Free Library. The location of this meeting is accessible, and reasonable accommodation will be provided. More info here: https://understandingourdifferences.org/events-disability-pride-2026/

You may be a fan of World Cup soccer, but did you know that FIFA is providing broad accessibility services and support that allow all fans to enjoy the game? This support include ASL interpretation, sensory services, audio-descriptive commentary, tactile boards and more. Love this!
https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/news/accessibility-world-cup-2026-disability-social-inclusion?fbclid=IwY2xjawSmHgtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnN2NkdzFuQ052VmhVcERsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv7XnxSSm8LG3Cdiq2YP8-6eA3mdJaPMADc3wvcw_ezQeT8xg8AIqTmBOcDp_aem_YP71UTt9EDn91mtTFDskXw

FIFA World Cup 2026™ to feature sign language interpretation for all matches, additional accessible experiences to help all fans enjoy the global showcase FIFA is dedicated to making sure that all fans – including those with disabilities and their families and friends – have an excellent experience at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

This sounds like an amazing and very inclusive event event next weekend, Juneteenth weekend! Firebird Part 2 will premiere at the John and Edgar Booth Theatre at Boston University from June 19–21, 2026.
This show is an evening-length, two-act sequel to the company’s 2021 radical reimagining of the 1910 ballet, Firebird.
For more information and to get tickets: https://ticketstripe.com/adbfirebird2

June is here... and Firebird Part 2 is almost here too. 🔥🕊️

In less than 19 days, we'll gather online and in person for Firebird—a breathtaking multidisciplinary performance featuring ballet, animation, original music, visual art, and more, all created by disabled and diverse artists.

Have you secured your tickets yet? 🎟️

This work exists because of our incredible community. If you believe in diverse and disabled artistry and inclusive performances, here's how you can help:
✨ Get your tickets (virtual or in person)
✨ Share this post with your community
✨ Tag a friend who should experience Firebird
✨ Tell us in the comments: Who are you most excited to see shine on stage?

We'll start: Andrew Choe, conductor and composer of our orchestra. 🎼

The countdown is on. We can't wait to celebrate with you. ❤️

ID: Image with black background and Abilities Dance logo. Text reads 'Firebird Part 2 June 19 - 21, 2026; Boston University Booth Theater; Only livestreamed June 19; ticketstripe.com/adbfirebird2" Below is Claire and Dara in black jumpsuits with jumbled words and drawings throughout kicking out facing in. Amaal in a checkered pattern blue, white, and black tunic with black leggings seated with wrists crossed and hands flourished to side. Katie standing in the back with blue dress and arms stretched. Ellice in the center in a deep stretch with arms extended and one crutch.⁠

Join us for a wonderful Chamber Music for Your Cause benefit concert celebrating Understanding Our Differences! Happening this Sunday, June 7th, 3:00-4:00pm followed by a reception, at the Nathaniel Topliff Allen House, 35 Webster St. in West Newton. Suggested donation is $25 per attendee and all proceeds benefit UOD! For information about the program and to RSVP, click here:
https://www.chambermusicforyourcause.com/upcomingevents