Hillside will host its first Disability Independence Day Festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 26 on the front grounds of Hillside, 1235 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara.

The family-friendly event open to the community will be have a carnival-like atmosphere with food booths, games, a bouncy house, face painting, and a petting zoo.

Chris Benedict, DJ of ability, will play his dance-inspiring music, noon-2 p.m. A raffle held at the end of the event offers a chance to win one of three gift baskets. Hillside Honey, harvested at Hillside, will be available for purchase.

There is even a chance to dunk Michael Rassler, Hillside’s president/CEO, in the dunk tank.

Entry is free, and tickets can be purchased for food and games.

The festival will feature booths from local partner nonprofits that provide supportive services for the disabled, including Tri-Counties Regional Center, Alpha Resource Center, PathPoint, and the Grace Fisher Foundation.

Event sponsors include BrightStar Care, CenCal Health, and longtime Hillside supporter, Community Friends of Santa Barbara (formerly the Assistance League of Santa Barbara).

Local contributors are McConnell’s Ice Cream, San Marcos Farms, Boy Scout Troop #37, Moxi, Wheel Fun Rentals, Chaucer’s Bookstore, Terra Sol Garden Center, Trader Joe’s, Lotusland, Dirty Dog Wash & Goods, MarBorg, and Aloes in Wonderland.
 
For more on the festival, visit Hillside’s website.

All proceeds benefit Hillside residents who are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“As a unique and loving home in Santa Barbara for this population for the past 80 years, Hillside is committed to advocating for equity and inclusion for its residents and the entire community,” Hillside said.

Hillside provides 24 hour medical care, individualized therapeutic treatments, life-skills training, and engaging recreational activities and outings designed to promote their abilities and independence.
 
National Disability Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 26, commemorates passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities.

The largest minority group in the world is people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of the world’s population, or over one billion people, live with some form of disability. This includes physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health impairments.

The number is expected to increase as the world’s population ages, and as more people survive injuries and illnesses that would have been fatal in the past, Hillside reports.

“This group of people is considered as a minority due to the lack of accessibility and social inclusion that they face in many societies,” Hillside said. “They are often excluded from education, employment, and other opportunities, and they may face discrimination and stigma.

“Their rights, inclusion, and well-being are of the utmost importance. Come and celebrate the achievements, abilities and diversity of individuals with disabilities at Hillside on July 26.”

To learn about supporting Hillside and its residents, visit www.hillsidesb.org, or contact Cheryl Sweeney, chief development officer, csweeney@hillsidesb.org or 805-687-0788 ext. 123.