Hillside

Americans across the country and around the world will be marking the nation’s 250th anniversary this Saturday on July 4th, and perhaps a more impactful celebration of independence three weeks later, when Hillside hosts a festival at its Hidden Valley campus to celebrate National Disability Independence Day. It’s the second year for the festival, which takes place Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and is a decidedly all-inclusive family-friendly event open to the entire community for people of all abilities.

Disability Independence Day commemorates passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities; the largest minority group in the world. According to the World Health Organization, around 15% of the world’s population – more than one billion people – live with some form of disability, a number that 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. 

The lack of accessibility and social inclusion is an international issue, as people with disabilities are often excluded from education, employment and other opportunities, and may face other discrimination and stigma. Hillside, a home in Santa Barbara for some 50-plus people suffering from some of the more severe developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, has served the community for more than 80 years, and has seen its own services and approach evolve. Hillside not only provides 24-hour medical care and individualized therapeutic treatments, but also offers life-skills training, engaging recreational activities, and off-campus outings that are designed to promote residents’ abilities and greatest possible level of independence. Despite the challenges inherent in living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Hillside residents are able to focus on what they can accomplish through intentional programs, look at ways to eliminate obstacles, and seek opportunities for growth and independence. 

The Independence Day festival is part of Hillside’s continuing effort to integrate its residents more fully into the community, celebrating the residents’ achievements, abilities, and diversity where they live.

“We haven’t done much in the past – most organizations haven’t, actually – beyond celebrating it internally here at Hillside,” explained Angela De Bruyn, Hillside’s Director of Employee & Community Relations. “We thought a festival with a carnival atmosphere would be a great way to engage the community on site. We get out into the community a lot, which is great, but this is a chance for the community to come to us.

All of our residents will be in attendance, so it’s a great opportunity to meet them. They’re always excited to interact with people whenever they can.” 

Admission is free, as are many of the activities, including the Santa Barbara Bubble Guy – a balloon animal twister – face painting, a petting zoo and even a cake walk. Optional tickets are available for the carnival games. Visitors can take a turn playing at the slime station or paint a birdhouse. Hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, drinks, popcorn, ice cream, and cotton candy will be available for purchase as will Hillside Honey, harvested from Hillside bees and produced by San Marcos Farms. A beekeeper will be on hand to show attendees the thriving live hive onsite. DJ of Ability Chris Benedict will play his dance-inspiring music from 12-2 pm, while a raffle, with drawings all day long as well at the end of the event, provide chances to win prizes, including one of three wonderful gift baskets.

“Partner agencies like Tri-County Regional Center, Alpha Resource Center, PathPoint, Grace Fisher Foundation – local nonprofits we collaborate with who provide supportive services for the disabled – will be in attendance with their own tables to provide educational outreach for the community about their activities,” De Bruyn said. 

The festival is only HIllside’s latest way to break down remaining walls between the residents and community members by having visitors come to where the residents live. 

“People of all abilities, all backgrounds and all stories live here,” De Bruyn said. “They live together, they learn together, they grow together. We’ve been more than a care facility for many years. We’ve been a home.”