Disability Pride Parade NYC 2018: Start Time, Route, Registration

CHELSEA, NY — The fourth annual Disability Pride Parade NYC will kick off Sunday for a nine block march in Chelsea, culminating in a Union Square festival to celebrate and raise awareness for those living with disabilities. The inaugural parade launched in 2015 and was founded by famed jazz pianist Michael LeDonne in honor of his now 14-year-old daughter who was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that has left her developmentally disabled and without speech. Last year's procession gathered more than 10,000 marchers and organizers are expecting similar numbers this year, despite the parade's route change that caused a stir. Below, Patch has compiled everything you need to know to enjoy the day's festivities.

When does the march kick off?

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 15. Line up starts at 10 a.m.

Where does the march start, and how do I get there?

Parade-goers will begin their amble from Madison Square Park off of 24th Street. The nearby 23rd street subway station on the 6 line is ADA accessible on both the uptown and downtown sides. Marchers can also take the subway to the 23rd Street station on the R, W line or the 23rd Street station on the F, M line —neither of these stations are ADA accessible.

What is the parade route?

The route runs from Madison Square Park to Union Square along Fifth Avenue between 26th Street to 24th Street, and then on Broadway from 24th Street to 17th Street. The parade culminates in a festival at Union Square's northern plaza. Typically, the parade's route is flipped but a scheduling clash with another parade spurred this years change.

Do I need to register to march in the parade?

Yes, you can register as an individual or as an organization here. Registration closes on Sunday at 10 a.m.

What streets will be closed?

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following streets will be closed: Madison Avenue between 24th Street and 27th Street, 25th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South and 26th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue South.

What can I do at the post-parade festival in Union Square?

The family friendly festival includes food, arts and crafts, games and lives music in Union Square's northern plaza. Marchers are encouraged to dress in wacky costumes and at the parade's ends officials will announce winners in four competitions: most parade spirit, best costume, best float and best performance. The plaza normally shadeless plaza will be shielded with two 40-by-60 foot tents during the festival.

Photo courtesy of Disability Pride Parade NYC