WEST HOLLYWOOD—On September 22, the City of West Hollywood and the Disability Advisory Board proclaimed October 2026 as Disability Awareness Month. The month aims to educate the public about issues affecting disabled Americans, including barriers to employment and education, and to promote disability awareness. It also celebrates the contributions of disabled people.
This month, two events will connect disabled residents with care, raise disability awareness, educate the public, and honor organizations and individuals who have made an impact. The first event is a free Disability Health and Wellness Fair at the Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The theme is “Blooming Without Limits.” The fair will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. It is sponsored by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in partnership with the city and the Disability Advisory Board. The fair will offer free medical screenings and vaccinations. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The second event will be the city’s 28th Annual Disability Service Awards on October 28, starting at 5:30 P.M. The ceremony will take place during a special meeting of the Disability Advisory Board in the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room at 625 North San Vicente Boulevard. The meeting will air on WeHo TV on Spectrum Channel 10 and stream on the city’s website and on the city’s YouTube channel.
In October, the city will also host an educational program honoring the contributions of three historical disabled people. The first is writer and activist Helen Keller. The second is the late Arizona Senator, Vietnam War veteran, and prisoner of war John McCain. The last is the late disability activist Justin Whitlock Dart Jr. Dart helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and founded the American Association on People with Disabilities. Banners in the City Council Chambers will honor them.
2026 marks the 36th anniversary of President George H.W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. The law was designed to improve building accessibility for people with disabilities and to create economic opportunities. In 1995, West Hollywood established a 9-member Disability Advisory Board. The board advises the City Council on issues affecting people with disabilities and recommends policies, ordinances, and programs to support them. It works to ensure that people with disabilities can access services and government resources, promotes ADA compliance, and advocates for accessible housing and transportation.
For more details about West Hollywood’s Disabilities Awareness Month events, text “WeHo” to (323) 848-5000, visit the city’s calendar website, or check the city’s social media pages. Residents may also contact the Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510. Those with hearing difficulties should email wehocares@weho.org.
