ADA35
In July 2025, activists organized a march for the 35th anniversary of the ADA. This time, they did not ask the city for a permit. They gathered in Washington Square Park to speak out against recent attacks on disability rights, and then marched to Union Square.
When the march ended, a small group, led by Nadina LaSpina, with support from Act Up! and Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), took the protest to Trump Tower. Eleven people were arrested for civil disobedience.
Photos by Erik McGregor, Jessica Murray, and Morgan Moore
Date: Jul 26, 2025
Image Description: A close-up color photograph of demonstrators at a rally. In the background, a person holds up a large cardboard sign with the phrase “EVERY BODY MATTERS”. In the foreground, a man wearing sunglasses smiles while speaking and using sign language.
Date: 2026-07-26
Image Description: A high-angle shot captures a wide city street filled with a large crowd of demonstrators. The people at the front of the crowd hold a large dark blue banner that reads “DISABILITY RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS” in bold yellow letters.
Date: 2026-07-26
Image Description: A crisp color photograph of a woman in a blue dress navigating a city street in a motorized wheelchair. She is holding a white sign that reads “MORE ACCESS EQUALS MORE Business!” next to an accessibility symbol. Behind her, other activists march with signs like “SEPARATE IS NOT EQUAL!” and “HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL”.
Date: Jul 26, 2025
Image Description: A large group of disability rights activists, including wheelchair users, pose together in an open city plaza. Many participants hold signs with advocacy messages such as “Disabled In Action” and “ADA 35”.
Date: Jul 26, 2025
Image Description: A crowd of advocates gathers in a paved city park surrounded by trees for a public rally. Attendees on foot and in wheelchairs listen to speakers and display signs advocating for disability rights.
Date: Jul 26, 2025
Image Description: Activists gather in a marble building lobby holding black protest signs with white lettering. Nadina LaSpina, an older Italian woman in a wheelchair, holds a sign reading “Disabled People Against Fascism” while others stand or sit in wheelchairs behind her.