Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 26, 1990.
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in everyday activities, such as employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. This year marks the 34th anniversary of its passing.
From NCIL.org: “Disability pride focuses on the social model of disability. The disability community views the social model as more positive than the medical model, which is often used to subdue and/or place the individual in a less-empowered role.”
The paradigm for the social model of disability involves advocacy, peer and community support, and barrier removal leading to equitable outcomes for those living with a disability.
The focus on disability pride is necessary in providing people with tools to push back against the harmful bias of ableism. Ableism occurs when there are negative views of disability that harshly impact roads to accessibility and community support.
There are many ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month. A month of pride asks us to live in a way that is no doubt visible and vibrant while honoring the history of the disability community, its efforts, and its achievements.
