Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July, offering a valuable opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. This significant month commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation that has been instrumental in breaking down barriers to inclusion in society.
Why July?
July marks the anniversary of the ADA, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This historic legislation has played a crucial role in ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
The Importance of Inclusion
People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. However, discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. This is why fostering inclusion within our communities and workforce is vital.
The History of Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month began to mark the ADA’s anniversary. The first celebration, Disability Pride Day, took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004, and since then, events nationwide have empowered people with disabilities to take pride in who they are.
Engage and Learn:
- Meet People With Disabilities: Listen to their stories and learn the importance of inclusion for all in our community.
- Learn About Disability Rights: Understand the history of disability rights in the United States and take action to support these rights.
- Reach Out to Elected Officials: Educate them about policies that impact the quality of life for people with disabilities.
- Consume Media Created by Individuals with Disabilities: Watch and read content like Crip Camp, CODA, Demystifying Disability, and Disability Visibility.
- Teach Your Children: Encourage them to acknowledge and include people with disabilities.
- Hire Individuals with Disabilities: Creating a more inclusive workforce is not only the right thing to do but also a proven good business decision.
Read some of our success stories and learn more about how to support individuals with disabilities on our blog at Challenge Enterprises Blog.
There are countless ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month and we thank you for doing your part to create inclusion in our community and workforce.
