'Disability rights are human rights': Activists call for more accessibility in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — President of the Philadelphia Freedom Band David Szczepanik played trumpet and paraded around Love Park Saturday for the 12th annual Disability Pride Philadelphia on the Parkway.

"We want to show up and support the cause of making sure people have accessible housing and access to health care, you know, access to public buildings," Szczepanik said.

Guy Anthony Brooks from West Philadelphia says it’s crucial for people with disabilities in the city to come together to fight for fair access to businesses and new construction.

“The nation sees only physical disabilities as a stigma of being unable to do stuff yourself, but we are able to do as much but we still need help,” he said.

He noted that, while the Americans with Disabilities Act has been around for more than 30 years, people still don’t have “any awesome, accessible, affordable integrated places.”

After the parade, About 1,000 people turned out to the Parkway for giveaways, food trucks, resources and live music.

“We come out and make some noise and let people know that this too is a cause of human rights,” Szczepanik said. "...Disability rights are human rights."