Disability Pride: Why and How To Celebrate

July marks Disability Pride Month - an observation more people should be aware of. It initially started in 1990, as a celebration of the year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law but wasn’t popularized until July 2015, the 25^th anniversary of the passing of the ADA Act. It is widely celebrated throughout in dedication to honoring and acknowledging the history, achievements, and experiences of those with disabilities.

One in four individuals in the United States lives with a disability.

When you ponder this stat, you may conclude that this may be the number of people that feel comfortable enough to disclose they are living with a disability or individuals that can’t mask their disability due to it simply being physical. However, disability is broader than we think. It is not always physical. It can be mental, physical, visible, or invisible.

It’s important to amplify the community of those living with disabilities in all its glory and not allow for those that are not living with a disability or a non-ally to control the imagery or narrative of how the world should view individuals living with disabilities.

How do we do this? The key to more inclusionary practices is providing diverse representation during this month’s observation (Disability Pride Month) to show how the population can be just as flourishing and impressive as others! It is to showcase your disability with pride. It is to go out and share your story or amplify someone else’s. It is to take action with local officials and educate children or families not living with disabilities. It is to go out, attend local events, and have fun!