2025 Disability Pride Month
The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances and recognitions celebrated by its various cultures, religions, and populations.
These are a few observances in July, from local to international:
- Disability Pride Month
- BIPOC Mental Health Month
- International Nonbinary People’s Day
- Disability Independence Day
This month we commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. At NYRR, we celebrate our advocacy and support of athletes with disabilities and our longtime partnership with Achilles International.
Disability Pride Month Photo Essay
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, we are highlighting the advocacy and support NYRR has for athletes with disabilities—including youth wheelchair athletes and world-class professionals—and our longtime partnership with Achilles International.
How Achilles International Is Transforming Lives Through Running
Ahead of the 2025 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank, this panel set the stage with powerful stories from Achilles International members who shared powerful stories of resilience, community, and the life changing impact of running and racing. From rebuilding confidence after trauma to discovering strength through adaptive sports, these athletes opened up about overcoming obstacles with the support of Achilles and each other.
Running Into the Light: An Amputee Finds Confidence Through Achilles International
"Finding Achilles has just been a massive life changer. It's got me into running, which has given me a huge amount of confidence and sense of accomplishment."
Ben Simmons used to run at night because he didn’t want to be seen. As an amputee, he hid his strength in the dark. Joining Achilles International helped him find the confidence to run no matter what because no one should ever have to hide to belong.
Making Space for All
New York Road Runners was founded as an inclusive running organization welcoming all races, genders, and abilities.
June is a special month for celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of our running community as we stage three iconic races: the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run® 4M, and the Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank.
Learn more about how these races and other inclusive events, programs, and initiatives make space for all.
NYRR Expands Accessibility Initiatives
At New York Road Runners, we continue to expand our efforts toward disability inclusion to further comply with city, state, and federal mandates.
Set the Pace: How ADA Hero Deborah McFadden Paved the Way for Disability Equality
Deborah McFadden is a trailblazer in disability rights who played a key role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Deborah became determined to fight for disability equality and was later appointed U.S. Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H.W. Bush. She's also the mother of Paralympic athletes Tatyana and Hannah McFadden.
Set the Pace: Pushing the Limits of Adaptive Training with Peloton Instructor Logan Aldridge
Peloton Interactive Instructor Logan Aldridge opens up about the tragic wakeboarding accident that led to him losing his left arm when he was just 13 years old. Inspired to be the best he could be physically, he started working out regularly, adapting exercises along the way and now he empowers others to find ways to adapt.
Michael Ring's Journey with GBS
In 2014, Michael Ring was diagnosed with acute motor axonal neuropathy, a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Though his 10-year recovery has been full of challenges, Michael retains his energy, optimism, and sense of humor.
"I Would Love Every Person with a Disability to Be Proud of Who They Are"
Susannah Scaroni has won six editions of the Mastercard New York Mini 10K's wheelchair division. She's also been a Run for the Future Ambassador, working with participants in NYRR’s free running and wellness program for New York City high school girls.
"What Can I Do for Others?"
Dick Traum lost his right leg in an accident when he was 24. Traum, who died in 2024, was the first known amputee runner to complete a marathon, and founded Achilles International. The race bib for the 2024 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank was a tribute to Traum.
NYRR's History of Advocacy and Support of Athletes with Disabilities
New York Road Runners has a long history of inclusion of athletes with disabilities in our races and programs and a decades-long partnership with Achilles International, an organization that provides a community of support.