Berkeley proclaims Disability Pride Month and honors BORP’s 50th anniversary

Mayor Adina Ishii opened the meeting by formally proclaiming July 2026 as Disability Pride Month in Berkeley and presenting a certificate recognizing BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation’s 50th anniversary. The proclamation recalled the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and highlighted the city’s commitment to inclusion and access.

Emily, introduced by the mayor as BORP’s executive director, described the organization’s founding at UC Berkeley in 1976 and its evolution into a regional provider of adaptive sports and recreation. “BORP provides over 20 weekly programs that serve over 1,400 individuals with disabilities every year,” Emily told the council, and invited the public to an October 15 event celebrating 50 years of programming.

The council also recognized Kai Wang, a Berkeley Unified School District seventh grader who competed in the national Braille competition and won first place in the charts and graphs category; Mayor Ishii presented a certificate of recognition and Kai thanked teachers and family for their support.

The ceremonial items concluded with the council’s adjournment in memory of Vanessa Lynn Sanchez, and the meeting moved to staff and public comment items.