SHARE

Saddle Brook Autism Advocate To Lead NJ Disability Pride Parade

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. – A Saddle Brook autism advocate has been named grand marshal of the 2017 New Jersey Disability Pride Parade.

Ryan Mathew Roy, of Saddle Brook, poses with his wife and son.

Ryan Mathew Roy, of Saddle Brook, poses with his wife and son.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Ryan Mathew Roy, who lives in Saddle Brook with his wife and young son, will lead hundreds of people representing a wide range of disabilities during the seventh annual march in Trenton.

The purpose of the parade is to bring people, organizations and businesses from throughout New Jersey together to raise awareness and celebrate pride with the disability community.

“Having a disability is very natural and beautiful part of human diversity,” said Roy, who is on the autism spectrum.

He said he believes in the power of empathy.

"Developing empathy has helped me be the ‘voice’ for myself and other friends who are on the autism spectrum, as well as how to understand how having an ASD affects their life," he said.

Roy is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, an 8-month leadership developmental and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents, sponsored by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.

He also serves on the Bergen Regional Advocacy Network for Bergen County’s People's First, Bergen County Community Transportation Advisory Committee, Saddle Brook's Access for All Committee, the Board of Directors for The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices and the Post 21 Club, and is a peer mentor for Neighbour’s Inc.

The parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, in Trenton. For more information, CLICK HERE.

to follow Daily Voice Garfield-Lodi and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE