What is Disability Pride Month?
On July 26, 1990, a historic milestone in the United States civil rights movement was achieved with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation aimed to protect the rights and improve the lives of individuals with differing abilities, guaranteeing them equal opportunities and access to public accommodations, employment, transportation, and more. The ADA has had a transformative impact on society, fostering inclusivity and dismantling barriers that prevented people with differing abilities from fully participating in all aspects of life.
July is recognized as Disability Pride Month. It is the annual observance dedicated to celebrating and honoring the achievements, resilience, and diversity of individuals with differing abilities. It is a time to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of all individuals in all aspects of society.
Throughout Disability Pride Month, various events and activities take place nationwide to promote disability pride and empowerment. These include disability pride parades, festivals, conferences, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. These events foster a sense of community, promote self-advocacy, and highlight the unique experiences and contributions of disabled individuals.
By fostering disability pride, society can work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people with differing abilities. It encourages individuals to celebrate their uniqueness, embrace their identities, and work towards dismantling barriers and stereotypes.
Ways to Celebrate Disability Pride Month ... All Year Long!
- Learn about the history of disability rights in the United States
- Spent time with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental delays (I/DD) and learn about their dreams and goals
- Share your disability story or help someone share theirs
- Reach out to your local legislators to advocate for high-quality services and support for the I/DD community
- Teach those around you to acknowledge and include all individuals, no matter what their ability level is
- If you are an employer, hire individuals with differing abilities
Flag Color Meanings
Red – physical disabilities
Gold – neurodiversity
White – invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed
Blue – emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
Green – for sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities
The faded black background shows mourning and rage for ableist violence and abuse victims. The diagonal band cuts across the walls and barriers that people with disabilities face in society, representing light and creativity, cutting through the darkness.
