Encourage the State of WI to Fly the Disability Pride Flag

101

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The Issue

I am writing as a proud Wisconsin resident and advocate to respectfully request that the Disability Pride Flag be flown at the Wisconsin State Capitol during the month of July, in recognition of Disability Pride Month.

We, the undersigned residents, families, educators, caregivers, employers, advocates, and allies, respectfully call upon our state and city leadership to formally recognize and fly the Disability Pride Flag at the Capitol and other prominent public spaces in July of 2026.

Why This Matters:
The Disability Pride Flag is a symbol of empowerment, inclusion, and visibility. It represents the one in four Americans living with a disability—seen and unseen—and honors the contributions, struggles, and resilience of this vibrant and vital part of our community.

This flag doesn’t just represent individuals with disabilities. It represents:

Parents who advocate fiercely for their children
Teachers and school staff creating inclusive classrooms
Therapists, aides, and support personnel who show up with compassion
Employers offering opportunities and removing barriers
Friends and neighbors who believe in a world that welcomes everyone
And above all, people with disabilities whose lives and voices deserve to be celebrated—not sidelined
Our Request:
We ask that the Disability Pride Flag be flown during Disability Pride Month at the Capitol, as an official act of inclusion and pride—to reflect the values of equity, dignity, and belonging that our city stands for. This public display would affirm our collective commitment to ensuring every citizen, regardless of ability, feels seen, respected, and proud to be part of this community.

Let’s show that Wisconsin is a place that doesn’t just talk about inclusion—but lives it, proudly and visibly.

The Decision Makers

Luke Diaz
Verona City Mayor
Responded
Thank you for this petition. I think this is a great idea. To clarify something, under our City Flag Policy, we can only fly flags that have been flown at the US or Wisconsin Capitol. Unfortunately, the Disability Pride Flag has not flow at the US or Wisconsin Capitol buildings, at least not yet. I know there are people who are advocating for this at both the federal and state level. So hopefully that will change in the future. We are discussing internally how the City of Verona can help support this change and working to make sure we do our part locally to support inclusive infrastructure in our community. I don't want to make any promises, but I'm hopeful we'll be able to take action next year, in line with what the petition calls for. Also, my colleague, Alder Tucker Long, compiled a list of projects the City has been working on to make Verona more accessible: 1. We have been adding Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons to aid with allowing pedestrians more time and more visibility when crossing the street. 2. We have added a City sidewalk policy so we can expand our sidewalk and path network to make more areas of our City accessible and safe for pedestrian and bike traffic. 3. The Public Works Department and their consultants are evaluating our sidewalks to ensure that they are repaired in a timely fashion to eliminate trip hazards or issues that would make it difficult for a walker or wheelchair to traverse. 4. We just finished installing an accessible dock at Firemans Park so that those with mobility issues have better access to swimming, fishing, and other amenities. 5. Next year, we will be installing an accessible kayak launch at Firemans Park so those with mobility issues will have an easier time canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. 6. Our Parks Commission has worked with the developer of the new Ardent Glen development to create a beautiful park that will not only act as a centerpiece for their neighborhood but also features a playground with an accessible merry-go-round, slide, and barn/store area with a poured-in-place ground that is easy for wheels and walkers to get around. This park will also feature accessible bathrooms and an accessible park shelter so we can host an accessible Summer Park Program there. 7. The Epic Park Pavilion Project includes a playground with a paved path all around it for easy access for those with wheelchairs and mobility issues. It will also feature larger, accessible bathrooms. 8. I [Alder Tucker Long] am working with our Rec. Director and a mom of two kids who utilize accessible sports programs within the County to bring accessible sports programs and classes to our Rec. Department offerings. 9. The City has been in talks with groups, like Miracle League, so find partnerships to bring more accessible sports and recreation facilities to our community. 10. We are working with the DNR to improve the bridges and pave the Military Ridge Trail where it passes through the City of Verona for better accessibility through town and access to recreational and natural areas. I want Verona to be a welcoming and inclusive community, and the City government has a key role to play in making that happen. So, if there are areas in the City we can make more accessible, I'd definitely like to hear about them. Luke Verona Mayor
Verona City Council
2 Members
Patrick Lytle
Verona City Council - District 4
Spencer Harrison
Verona City Council - District 3

Petition Updates