New York Landmarks Illuminate Purple to Champion Inclusion on International Disabilities Day

Every year on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities offers a moment for reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment. In 2025, New York City—and the entire state—embraced the day with a vivid gesture: illuminating its most iconic landmarks in purple, the global color of disability pride. This symbolic act, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, was more than just a spectacle; it was a declaration of solidarity, a reminder that inclusion and accessibility are not distant goals but daily obligations.

The United Nations first established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992, aiming to raise global awareness and support for people with disabilities. Now, more than three decades later, the need for visibility and advocacy remains as urgent as ever. Today, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide—about 16% of the global population—live with significant disabilities. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one in four adults experience a disability. These statistics are not mere numbers; they represent individuals whose stories, talents, and aspirations shape our communities.

Landmarks Shine as Beacons of Hope and Pride

On this year’s Disabilities Day, a powerful statement was made as purple lights illuminated structures across New York. From the soaring spire of One World Trade Center to the historic Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, from the mighty flow of Niagara Falls to the bustling halls of Grand Central Terminal, the message was unmistakable: New York stands with its disability community. Each building that glowed purple was not just a monument to architectural achievement, but a beacon calling for greater accessibility and equity.

Other landmarks participating included the Kosciuszko Bridge, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, State Fairgrounds Main Gate & Expo Center, the “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge, Albany International Airport Gateway, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, and Moynihan Train Hall. For passersby and residents alike, the display was a striking reminder that the path toward inclusion is illuminated—quite literally—by collective action.

Leadership and Policy: Turning Light into Lasting Change

Governor Hochul’s administration has taken concrete steps to move beyond symbolism. “On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm a simple truth: every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to live, work and thrive with dignity,” Hochul stated. Her words reflect a broader commitment, evident in initiatives like the creation of the Office of the Chief Disability Officer in 2022 and the launch of the Employment First NY team. The statewide multimedia campaign “You Belong Here” aims to promote hiring and inclusion of people with disabilities, challenging outdated stereotypes and urging employers to recognize the value of diverse talent.

Kim Hill Ridley, New York State’s Chief Disability Officer, echoed these sentiments, noting that the purple lights are “a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion for every New Yorker with a disability.” The administration’s approach is not just about policy—it is about culture. Breaking down barriers means transforming public spaces, workplaces, and mindsets so that disability is not seen as an obstacle, but as a dimension of human experience worthy of respect and accommodation.

Global Context: A Shared Responsibility

While New York’s actions shine brightly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed around the world. The United Nations continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, encouraging governments, businesses, and civil society to create environments where everyone can participate fully. The global disability community is diverse—spanning age, race, gender, and geography—but united by a common pursuit: recognition, accessibility, and opportunity.

In recent years, disability advocacy has moved from the margins to the mainstream, with increased representation in media, politics, and the arts. Yet, challenges persist. Accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and equitable employment remain out of reach for many. As landmarks glow purple, they illuminate not only progress but also the gaps that still need bridging.

Inclusion Beyond Illumination: What Comes Next?

Symbols are powerful—they inspire, they unite, they provoke conversation. But real inclusion is measured in actions and outcomes. The disability community in New York, and across the globe, is calling for sustained attention: better transportation options, universal design in public buildings, comprehensive healthcare, and meaningful representation in decision-making processes. The purple lights are a promise, but fulfilling that promise requires ongoing investment and vigilance.

For many, Disabilities Day is not just about celebration but about advocacy. It is a chance to amplify voices that are too often overlooked, to challenge assumptions, and to demand change. As New York’s skyline shimmered in purple, it invited everyone to reflect: How can each of us contribute to a society where everyone belongs?

The illumination of New York’s landmarks in purple is both a tribute and a challenge. It honors the achievements and resilience of the disability community while highlighting the unfinished work of inclusion. True progress will be measured not by the lights that shine once a year, but by the everyday accessibility and equity experienced by all. As we mark Disabilities Day, the commitment to break down barriers must extend beyond symbolism—into policy, practice, and the lived realities of millions.