July is Disability Pride Month. It is a time to honor the strength, identity, and value of people with disabilities. It is also a time to reflect on what it means to move forward with purpose, with pride, and with perseverance. 

Next month, my sons Nicholas, Jacob, and Joshua and I will take on the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Over two and a half days, we will hike nearly 27 miles and climb close to 10,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, we will summit several peaks, including Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast. 

We are turning this hike into a fundraiser for Harc, with a goal of raising 6,288 dollars. That number represents one dollar for every foot of Mount Washington’s height. The peak itself is symbolic, but the effort is real. Every step will be taken with the people and families who receive support from Harc in mind. 

This hike is personal to me. I see the climb as a reflection of what many of the individuals and families we support face every day. Life does not always follow a straight path. Some stretches are hard. Some feel impossible. But we keep moving, together! 

Disability Pride is not about fixing or changing someone. It is about seeing people for who they are. It is about standing up for dignity, belonging, and purpose. That is what we believe at Harc. That is why we do this work. 

We are a Harc family. Whether we are cheering at Morning Buzz, dancing together at Lunch Beats with DJ Star, volunteering, or walking the red carpet at Beyond the Stage, we lift each other up. We celebrate each person’s gifts. We keep going. 

If you feel moved to support our hike and help us reach our goal, we would be honored. Every contribution helps carry this mission forward. 

Click here to donate 

More than anything, I hope this month reminds us that every step forward counts. Every story in this newsletter is proof of that. 

The sky’s the limit; let’s keep climbing! 

Russell Coleman
President & CEO, Harc, Inc.

Every July, communities across the country come together to recognize Disability Pride Month. It is a time to honor the history, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities. At Harc, our mission has always been rooted in the belief that all people, of all abilities, deserve to live with dignity, opportunity, and pride. This month is not only a celebration, but also a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. 

What Is Disability Pride Month? 

Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Since then, Disability Pride Month has grown into a nationwide movement every year. 

It’s more than awareness, it’s about visibility, empowerment, and shifting the narrative. People with disabilities are not to be pitied or “overcome.” They are leaders, creators, innovators, and valued members of the community. 

Chris & Joe at the 35th ADA Anniversary Celebration

Left Marvin, Carlton, Chris, Joe, Jose at the 35th ADA Anniversary Celebration

Why It Matters to Harc 

For over 70 years, Harc has supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. From early intervention to residential services, job coaching, and employment programs, we strive to empower every individual we serve to live full and meaningful lives. 

Disability Pride Month aligns perfectly with our values. It’s a chance to highlight the voices of the people we serve, and celebrate their achievements, and challenge outdated stereotypes.  

A Movement That Lasts Beyond July 

While Disability Pride Month is a designated time for celebration, our commitment to inclusion, respect, and self-advocacy lasts all year long. Let’s continue pushing for a world where accessibility is a right, not a privilege, and where every person is recognized for their strengths, not defined by their challenges. 

Learn more about how you can support Harc’s mission or share your own Disability Pride story by sending an email to Moriah Corry at mcorry@harc-ct.org 

Are you getting your dose of Harc’s Morning Buzz!? You can find our weekly news segments on our YouTube Channel, Facebook, and Instagram. Individuals who attend Harc programs have a great opportunity to show off their news reporting skills and charisma. Not only do these news-segments boost their confidence and experience speaking in front of a camera, but it also sharpens their linguistic skills that can be applied to different areas of their lives. Take a look at one of our recent segments and make sure you subscribe and share these videos for all to see! 

Joe S., a.k.a DJ Star, an individual who attends our Supported Employment program, has launched his DJ microbusiness! On Fridays, Joe makes the afternoon lunch break for staff and individuals relaxing and fun with a set of awesome tunes, coined “Lunch Beats with DJ Star.” What better way to have a bite to eat and experience live entertainment from the oh so talented DJ Star? 

If you are interested in hiring DJ Star (Joe S.) Please contact Jessica Pinto at Jpinto@harc-ct.org for any business opportunities/inquiries. You would not only assist Joe with perfecting his craft, but you will also help him earn a living doing what he loves; which is mixing great music on the turn table and entertaining his community. 

The second production of Harc’s Beyond the Stage, “A New Day,” was a hit! All of the participants had a blast. There were different acts that were performed such as comedic joke telling, puppeteering, and dance and song breaks that had the crowd cheering in their seats. We want to take the time to thank TheaterWorks for allowing us to perform on their stage, and a special thank you to Show Director and Volunteer, Chris Bushey. You can click the video to watch the full production, just in case you missed it. 

Camp is in full affect and the children are having a blast! Thank you to our Camp Counselors for providing safety, fun, and an all-around great time for our campers at Camp Courant. Here are some great photos from this Summer!

Please join us in giving a warm welcome and big congratulations to Joe B., the newest participant in Harc’s Supported Employment program! 

In this video below, you’ll witness the incredible bond between Joe and his Job Coach, Anthony Cruz. Their strong connection and teamwork have played a key role in Joe’s journey. With dedication, encouragement, and lots of practice, Joe recently achieved an exciting milestone—landing a job at Wendy’s as a member of the cleaning crew. 

Joe is thrilled to start this new chapter, taking pride in learning new skills, gaining independence, and becoming a contributing member of the workforce. 

Click the video to hear directly from Joe and Anthony about their journey together and the power of partnership, trust, and inclusion. 

Summer is in full swing, and that means exciting opportunities for volunteers to share their time, talents, and passions with the individuals in Harc’s day programs! 

A heartfelt thank you to volunteers Caitlin Coleman and Vinny Mazza, who recently spent time with our participants doing arts and crafts and other fun activities. We truly appreciate their kindness, creativity, and the joy they brought to everyone at Harc. 

Would you like to make a difference this summer? Whether it's leading an art project, sharing your love of music, or teaching a class, your time and skills are valuable to us, and most importantly, to the individuals we serve. 

Volunteers Vinny and Caitlin

To learn more about volunteering at Harc, please click the button below to volunteer!

Get Ready for a Wicked Good Time at Harc’s Annual Auction & Gala! 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and generosity at Harc’s Annual Auction & Gala. This year’s theme, On the Road to 75, sets the stage for show-stopping entertainment, exciting auction packages, and heartfelt moments—all in support of Harc’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Did you purchase your tickets yet? Click the button below to purchase them now!