What I See Everyday: Celebrating Disability Pride Month with Triangle, Inc.

This is a special post written by Charles Warren, Curriculum Developer at Triangle. Charlie is also a member of Triangle’s Racial Equity Committee (REC) and Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF). As part of our commitment to the work of the REC and DJTF, we will be sharing more information with you on subjects related to racial equity and disability justice. This post continues our series dedicated to calling attention to the contributions of people with disabilities to American history.

Hi Everybody! I’m Charlie Warren, the Curriculum Developer here at Triangle, Inc. In my role, I have the incredible opportunity to travel to and teach at our many programs. This means I get to witness firsthand the incredible work our program participants and staff members do everyday. This Disability Pride Month, I find myself reflecting on the pride I feel of profound strength, resilience, and sheer determination demonstrated by our community. It’s a month to celebrate the diverse identities and invaluable contributions of people with disabilities, and here at Triangle, that celebration is part of every day, 365 days a year. 

One of the most satisfying aspects of my work is seeing our participants achieve their career goals. Whether it is through our Day Services program, where individuals gain employment skills, apply for jobs and start earning paychecks, or our School to Career program, which provides supported pathways to job placement for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, our team works collaboratively and comprehensively to support our participants. Our Workforce Development team offers everything from skills assessments and interview coaching to ongoing job support. It is often said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I feel particularly proud of all my students who put in the work everyday to prepare themselves for the opportunities waiting for them, patiently overcoming challenges, and consistently willing to try. 

Skill development also happens at home. Our Residential Services provide nurturing environments in ten homes across Eastern Massachusetts. We support 47 individuals. Together, we create a family atmosphere where people can pursue their interests and be engaged in their communities. And then there’s our In-Home Supports (IHS) program, a newer offering designed for those ready for more independent living. Triangle provides in-home supports to individuals as they transition from a group residential setting to independent living, taking significant responsibility for everything from grocery shopping to managing their own schedule. 

My work also takes me to our specialized programs, which represent our collective commitment to addressing the well-being of individuals with disabilities holistically. The Prism Program, operating from a site right here in Malden, is a game-changer for autistic young adults, offering flexible employment, independent living, and interpersonal skills programs tailored to each member’s unique goals. We emphasize a non-judgmental approach, and designed our space for learning, relaxation, and connection. In particular, I love to see how courageously this younger generation of adults with disabilities embrace their identities and seek supports that meet their needs. 

Then there’s EPIC, our Empowering People for Inclusive Communities program – the only service-learning program for youth with disabilities in New England. I’ve seen these young leaders, our EPIC Service Warriors, undertake community service projects, develop leadership skills, and challenge ableism through disability-led trainings. They are powerful agents for change, fostering truly inclusive communities.

Because we live in a world where individuals with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable, Triangle Abuse Prevention & Safety (TAPS) program represents our commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities. It’s one of the only evidence-based programs in the U.S. that specifically teaches personal safety skills and abuse recognition, empowering participants to build safe, healthy relationships.

This Disability Pride Month, as I reflect on the nearly 3,000 individuals we serve annually, I am filled with immense pride. Every program, every interaction, every success story reinforces my belief in the capacity of our community. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that not only provides support but actively champions the independence, empowerment, and full inclusion of people with disabilities in every facet of life. I am also incredibly proud of all my colleagues, many of whom have disabilities themselves, whose knowledge and insight I benefit from and am so grateful for. I am proud to work for an organization that is so actively supportive of its employees with disabilities, so that we include everyone’s experience and talents. Let’s continue to celebrate the incredible contributions of the disability community, not just this month, but every single day.