Honoring ADA at the SBANYS Conference:
Where Wellness Meets Identity
This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and I couldn’t be more honored to join the celebration at the SBANYS Mental Wellness and Disability Conference in Syracuse, New York.
Hosted by the Spina Bifida Association of New York State, this event isn’t just a gathering—it’s a movement. A space where mental health, lived experience, and disability rights come together under one roof. We’re talking real talk, raw truths, and revolutionary ideas.
Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or living with a disability yourself, this conference offers something for the soul—from expert panels and storytelling to creative breakout rooms like mine (yes, I’ll be teaching in the Erie Room!). It’s about healing. It’s about identity. And it’s about making sure every voice has a mic.
I’ll be showing up fully—artist, advocate, and unapologetically disabled—with a paintbrush in one hand and purpose in the other. Let’s dive into the full weekend lineup and where you can find me creating, connecting, and celebrating every step of the way.
ADA Weekend in Syracuse:
My Schedule July 25–27, 2025
Art. Advocacy. Access. All of Me.
By Blue Eye Queen
This weekend, I roll into Syracuse, NY with a purpose deeper than paint—celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act by showing up as all that I am:
A uniquely abled artist.
A global advocate.
A woman of color, courage, and creativity.
And most of all—a reminder that accessibility isn’t optional. It’s essential.
⚾ Friday, July 25 – Spina Bifida Night at the Syracuse Mets
📍 NBT Bank Stadium – 1 Tex Simone Dr, Syracuse, NY
🕕 Gates at 6:00 PM | First pitch 6:35 PM
🎟️ Event Info
We’re kicking things off with a community celebration at the ballpark! Come rock your blue and rep the disability community in full force. I’ll be there connecting, smiling, and vibing with people who know what resilience looks like.
🌿 Saturday, July 26 – On the Trails Festival
📍 360 W. Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎨 Full Details
I’ll be a featured vendor and live artist at the scenic Syracuse Inner Harbor.
Expect:
Bold, expressive abstract art that tells real stories
Custom handmade fanny packs + goods
Inspiring convos with someone who’s lived it and still lit up inside
💬 Advocacy vibes, free hugs, and art that speaks
At 10:30 AM, join us for a 1-mile community challenge. Then come cool down with free ice cream and local music while you browse vibrant, soulful creations that reflect lived experience, healing, and joy.
🎨 Saturday, July 26 – SBANYS Conference: Mental Wellness & Disability
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton – 6301 NY‑298, East Syracuse, NY
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Event Info
In the afternoon, catch me as the headlining art instructor for the Erie Room session.
🖌️ “The Power of Art for Self-Expression & Identity”
⏰ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This isn’t your average workshop. It’s part healing, part storytelling, and 100% soul.
I’ll walk you through how art can be a survival tool—especially for those of us with disabilities. You’ll paint, explore identity through color, and maybe walk away with more than just a canvas.
Why it matters?
Because when you’re born different, the world tries to write your story.
Art gives you the pen back.
🚐 Sunday, July 27 – Transportation Summit
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton – Erie Ballroom & Breakouts
🕤 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🎟️ Summit Details
I’ll be there as a vendor and artist-advocate, championing accessibility in transit and community infrastructure.
🧭 Schedule Highlights:
9:30 AM – Transportation Services Now
10:45 AM – User Experience & Advocacy
12:00 PM – Models for the Future
Come find me post-panel to see how I’m using art to reshape public perception and raise awareness around mobility, independence, and dignity.
🌍 So, Who Am I?
I’m Blue Eye Queen, a uniquely abled abstract artist born with sacral agenesis.
I’ve traveled to 38 countries with a wheelchair, a paintbrush, and more guts than fear.
My art is bold, emotional, textured—and alive with truth.
I create to heal. I showcase to inspire. I teach to uplift.
I don’t just talk about inclusion—I live it.
This weekend isn’t just about the ADA. It’s about what comes next.
More seats at the table. More ramps at the door. More voices in the room.
I’ll be one of them. Will you?
🔗 RSVP + More Info
Let’s build bridges through paint, panels, and presence.
I’m coming in hot—and I’m bringing the whole community with me.
Catch me in Syracuse,
💙 Blue Eye Queen
www.melissadivietri.com
