DeKalb commissioners proclaim Disability Pride Month; inspirational speaker urges accessibility by design

DeKalb County commissioners on July 14 proclaimed July 2026 Disability Pride Month and marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, spotlighting local efforts to make county services more accessible.

Norma Stanley, introduced to the board as president and CEO of EEE Marketing Group and an award‑winning disability advocate, told commissioners her work and life as a parent shaped her view that accessibility "isn't about disability — it's about humanity." "The highest form of inclusion isn't accommodating someone after they struggle," Stanley said. "It's designing communities where they don't have to struggle in the first place."

Deputy presiding officer Commissioner Ladina Bolton read a proclamation on behalf of CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson recognizing the county's recent website accessibility updates and the role of community partners. Myrna Clayton, founder and executive director of ShowAbility, accepted the proclamation on behalf of local disability‑arts groups, describing a range of programs that provide paid performance opportunities and training.

The proclamation cites the ADA and local partnerships and notes the county’s commitment to continued accessibility efforts. Commissioners and community speakers emphasized that accessibility improvements — including communications, transportation and public‑meeting formats — can increase participation by residents with disabilities.

The board also used the morning session to recognize LGBTQ+ Bridal Day and other community programs; the meeting continued with an extended public‑comment period and several agenda votes later in the day.