UPDATE: The Disability Pride Flag is now flying high over City Hall in Fitchburg, marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This significant event took place on the morning of July 22, just days before the official anniversary on July 26, 2025, showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the disability community.
Mayor Sam Squailia led the flag-raising ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the ADA, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to public life, including jobs, education, and community spaces. Squailia shared images from the event on social media, highlighting the flag’s significance and the unity it represents.
The Disability Pride Flag, created by Ann Magill, features a spectrum of colors symbolizing various aspects of disability: red for physical disabilities, gold for neurodiversity, white for invisible disabilities, blue for emotional and psychiatric disabilities, green for sensory disabilities, and a faded black background honoring victims of violence and abuse. Squailia remarked, “This flag represents resilience, pride, and unity,” reiterating Fitchburg’s pledge to stand alongside the disability community in their quest for accessibility and inclusion.
Comments from residents further illustrate the flag’s impact. Lifelong Fitchburg resident Cristy Lee Potter Guy shared her journey of becoming legally blind before the ADA was enacted and expressed gratitude for the progress made since then. “Recognition, progress, and acceptance have been my experience, but as you see the comments below, there’s still work to be done,” she shared, reflecting on her time in Fitchburg as a student and now as a parent.
In addition to the Disability Pride Flag, multiple international flags are proudly displayed at Heritage Park, fostering a sense of community connection. Flags from countries including Brazil, Canada, Finland, Germany, Israel, and Puerto Rico create a vibrant tapestry that will be visible from late spring through fall.
Mayor Squailia reiterated the importance of these flags, stating they represent “our community connection to the world.” The flags serve as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to Fitchburg’s rich culture.
As the city continues to celebrate this milestone, residents and officials alike are called to participate in ongoing efforts to ensure that Fitchburg remains an accessible and inclusive space for all. The flag-raising event has sparked discussions among community members about the steps necessary to further improve accessibility and acceptance for individuals with disabilities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Fitchburg continues to embrace its commitment to inclusivity and representation for all citizens.
