While June sees celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community, its accomplishments, and the continued struggle for acceptance, every July is Disability Pride Month. This occasion presents an opportunity for people with disabilities, their loved ones, and allies to celebrate the achievements of those with disabilities and acknowledge the ongoing quest for true inclusivity.
What is Disability Pride Month?
The push for disability awareness is nothing new, but the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990, helped coalesce the cause of certain organizations and activists. The ADA added people with disabilities to the list of individuals afforded certain protections with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Importantly, it also required large employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Boston hosted the first Disability Pride parade on Oct. 6, 1990; that was the date of the original Disability Pride Day, which soon expanded into a month. Chicago has held 16 July parades to mark the occasion since 2004, and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio designated the month as Disability Pride Month in 2015 to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the ADA’s passage.
How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month
There’s no one or correct way to celebrate Disability Pride Month, of course. You deserve to partake in whatever brings you joy and fulfillment this July. If you’re newly aware of the celebration or are looking for new ways to recognize the occasion, we have a few suggestions.
1. Read books about people with disabilities
The continued fight for societal inclusion means that authors who have disabilities deserve to be read, acknowledged, and celebrated. Some authors have written moving, powerful essays on their lives. Others have created vivid stories to help illustrate the vibrant and important culture. This list of books for Disability Pride Month our staff recently compiled might provide a good starting point for your literary journey.
2. Find a local or virtual event
Since Chicago’s 2004 parade, many other municipalities across the U.S. have begun hosting events and activities. Most events went virtual in 2020 and 2011 due to the prevalence of COVID-19 and the unique vulnerability of many people with disability to infectious diseases, but plenty have resumed in person. This page has a lot of information on Disability Pride Month events if you are interested.
3. Get plugged into helpful organizations
Feelings of loneliness are significant challenges for many people with disabilities. Fortunately, the internet and social media have made connecting with similar or like-minded people easier than ever. The ADA National Network has countless resources that may enrich your personal journey. Using Facebook to find groups and post about your own experiences can also be quite fulfilling.
4. Talk to decision-makers
A big part of increasing awareness of Disability Pride Month is making sure your elected officials know you exist and deserve every opportunity your peers have. Sharing your story with those who represent you in government can help make sure your voice is heard and appreciated. The Arc is a national organization that provides action opportunities for people with disabilities and allies.
NeuroNav Can Help Advocate on Your Behalf
The theme of Disability Pride Month 2024 is “We Want a Life Like Yours,” which rings so true. People with disabilities want every opportunity afforded to everyone else—in all areas of life.
Californians may take advantage of a unique public program known as the Self-Determination Program (SDP). The SDP is an approach to receiving Regional Center funds that prioritizes the individual. Through person-centered planning, participants with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) can have greater control of needed services. The SDP approach can help foster independence.
NeuroNav offers independent facilitation services within the SDP. Independent facilitators help SDP participants ensure they get the most out of the program by guiding them through important phases. We offer free consultations to help potential clients determine how we may best provide assistance.
From all of us at NeuroNav, Happy Disability Pride Month!
