Many thousands of people with disabilities and our allies endured oppressive heat July 14 to march, roll, ride and scoot in the streets of New York City for the fifth annual parade to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 29 years ago.

Italian-American immigrant and wheelchair user Nadina LaSpina, a Grand Marshall of the parade, pointed out that it was being held on Bastille Day — the day the French workers tore down the jail walls. The veteran disability rights activist and writer’s remarks caught the spirit of the parade: “Let’s break down the walls — no walls — neither to keep people out nor to keep people in. And no locking up people in nursing homes or in detention centers.”