Members of the MGH Institute of Health Professions Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) volunteered at Sunday's United in Ability Day celebration in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in recognition of Disability Pride Month.

Second-year OTD students Alexandra Cheung, Valeria Saldana, Madeleine Pouw, Luke Guernelli, Hanna Overholt, Betsi Alarcon Garcia, and Gwendolyn Townshend joined community members, advocates, and local organizations to support inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Organized through Betsi Alarcon Garcia's role as COTAD Community Collaboration Coordinator, the volunteer opportunity connected the group with local children, adults, and families, while helping to promote valuable community resources and foster meaningful relationships.

Throughout the event, volunteers supported inclusive activities, including leading a group dance for children with disabilities. Overholt also communicated with a Deaf community member using American Sign Language (ASL), underscoring the importance of accessible communication in community engagement.

"It's so rewarding to give back to the community," said Alarcon Garcia about the event. 

The group extends a special thank you to Flor Amaya, Director of Public Health for the City of Chelsea and an alumna of the MGH Institute of Health Professions Doctor of Physical Therapy program, for bringing the community together to celebrate Disability Pride Month and reinforcing the message that our differences make us stronger.