What is Disability Pride Month?

The disability community is the largest marginalized community in the United States¹. Each year in July, Disability Pride Month is celebrated around the country to raise awareness, increase education and bring visibility to people living with disabilities.

But what is Disability Pride Month and what does it mean? Read on and learn how to help someone with a disability at all times.

What does Disability Pride Month Represent?

Disability Pride Month is an annual month-long celebration dedicated to increasing disability awareness and promoting civil rights for people with physical and invisible disabilities.

Disability Pride Month was officially established in July 2015 and is borne out of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that was signed into law by President H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990².

The ADA was created to protect the rights of people living with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, create more disability inclusion in society and create accessible access across levels of government, transportation and communication.

The Importance of Recognizing People With Disabilities

Historically, stigma has led to further marginalizing of people living with disabilities. This discrimination kept many people in the community out of jobs, social settings and even from obtaining a proper education. The ADA and Disability Pride Month are meant to increase disability rights within these fields.

Another important pillar of Disability Pride Month is to raise awareness of people living with disabilities. Educating the general public about what it means to live with a disability can help to end discrimination experienced by so many people in the disability community.

 Disability Awareness Advancements in Policies

Disability Pride Month is an annual month-long celebration dedicated to increasing disability awareness and promoting civil rights for people with physical and invisible disabilities.

Disability Pride Month was officially established in July 2015 and is borne out of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that was signed into law by President H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.

The ADA was created to protect the rights of people living with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, create more disability inclusion in society and create accessible access across levels of government, transportation and communication.

The Importance of Recognizing People With Disabilities

Historically, stigma has led to further marginalizing of people living with disabilities. This discrimination kept many people in the community out of jobs, social settings and even from obtaining a proper education. The ADA and Disability Pride Month are meant to increase disability rights within these fields.

Another important pillar of Disability Pride Month is to raise awareness of people living with disabilities. Educating the general public about what it means to live with a disability can help to end discrimination experienced by so many people in the disability community.

Disability Awareness Advancements in Policies

Advancements in policy continue to be updated, and this is something to celebrate! Increased awareness also has a powerful effect on policy changes and legislation. In recent years, the community has seen improvements in air travel with the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights and the All Stations Accessibility Program.

These acts require airlines to provide safe and dignified assistance to people traveling with disabilities. The rule was proposed in 2024 and includes protecting passengers when wheelchairs are lost or damaged, as well as training standards and other necessary advancements. While there is still a long way to go, it’s important to recognize the advancements that have been made.

Amendments to the Fair Labor Act limit employers’ ability to pay workers living with disabilities less than minimum wage. Formula grants have also been introduced across all states to provide better educational support for children living with disabilities.

This dedicated month gives power back to the community by taking control of the conversation. These festivities also create a wider lens where community achievements and events can be highlighted and celebrated, further enhancing the overall disability visibility.

How Communities Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Celebrations, big and small, take place across all of the United States during July. Boston kicked off the celebrations in 1990 with a parade that encouraged other cities to follow. And when New York City officially declared July as Disability Pride Month in 2015, events really took off.  

Chicago now boasts the longest-running Disability Pride Parade, and the city’s accessible transit system makes it easier for everybody to attend.

Pennsylvania has extended July celebrations into October, filling these three months with parades, events and community gatherings.

For those who do not live near city events, there are online celebrations to attend for Disability Pride Month. Organizations nationwide, as well as community-led, host online virtual events to celebrate this month. The Easter Seals, libraries and government organizations are popular virtual hosts for Disability Pride Month gatherings.

July also sees change-making community involvement. Change is often ground-up, and this remains true in this community. The Alliance of Disability Advocates, The American People With Disabilities (AAPD), and other advocacy groups advocate year-round to increase disability representation and inclusion for people living with disabilities.

 How You Can Support Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is a 31-day event filled with opportunities to learn, grow and have fun, too!

Many local events and parades welcome volunteers to help in various capacities. If you cannot offer your time or physical self, donating to an organization that supports the goals of Disability Pride Month is another great way to be involved. 

You can also support this month’s goals by educating yourself and others on what it means to live with a disability. Knowledge really is power, and with this, the hope is to further remove stigma and increase social inclusion for those who live with disabilities.  Here’s what you can do:

• Offer Practical Assistance: Help with daily tasks like grocery shopping, household chores, or transportation to appointments. This can alleviate stress and provide valuable support.
• Be an Advocate: Educate yourself about disability rights and advocate for accessibility in your community, whether it’s pushing for ramps, accessible restrooms, or inclusive policies for an invisible or physical disability.
• Provide Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and be empathetic. Sometimes, just being there and showing understanding can make a significant difference.

Encourage Independence: Support the person’s autonomy by empowering them to make their own decisions. Assist only when asked, respecting their ability to manage on their own.

Give the Gift of Comfort & Style

Another way to celebrate July’s Disability Pride Month is to update yours or your loved one’s wardrobe with adaptive clothing for people with disabilities at Silverts! These specially designed clothing products are created to make daily dressing routines easier for people living with disabilities.

Specially designed closures and additional features, such as easy-up handles on waistbands, magnetic closures and oversized pockets, help to increase and prolong independence and reduce frustration when getting dressed.

We also specialize in adaptive clothing for wheelchair users and even adaptive arthritis clothing.Give the gift and comfort and style for this month’s festivities or for your loved one to enjoy year-round! Shop them all at Silverts.

Conclusion: Why Recognition Matters Every Month of the Year

Disability Pride Month was created to raise awareness and celebrate the disability community. The work done this month should not end on August 1.

It’s crucial to continue the goals and triumphs of these month-long events. Keep the momentum going all year by being a true ally to the disability community by continuing to educate yourself, join events and be a friend to all.  

1. National Institutes of Health. “Advisory Committee to the Director Working Group on Diversity
   Subgroup on Individuals with Disabilities.” December 1, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html. Accessed on July 19, 2024. ↩︎
2. American Bar Association. “Celebrating Disability Pride Month.” https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/celebrating-heritage-months/disability-pride-month/. Accessed on July 19, 2024. ↩︎