Embracing Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Diversity and Empowering Change

Introduction: Recently, a movement has been growing to celebrate and promote disability pride. Disability Pride Month, observed annually in July, provides a platform to raise awareness, challenge stigmas, and foster a sense of inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with disabilities. The month of July was chosen as Disability Pride Month because the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in law on July 26,1990. Over the years, celebrations have become more widespread and more cities have officially recognized the month. It is a time to recognize the unique experiences, strengths, and contributions of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more equitable and accessible society. In this blog, we delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and explore why it is essential to celebrate and embrace disability pride.

Embracing Diversity: Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the human experience. People with disabilities come from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, contributing their unique perspectives and talents to the world. By embracing disability pride, we acknowledge and appreciate this rich tapestry of diversity, challenging traditional notions of normalcy and fostering a more inclusive society.

​Challenging Stigmas: One of the critical aims of Disability Pride Month is to challenge the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding disability. People with disabilities have often been marginalized and faced discrimination due to misconceptions and limited understanding. For example, there is a stereotype that people with Down Syndrome are always happy. Those with autism are often perceived as lacking empathy. This month encourages open conversations and educational initiatives to dismantle these barriers. Sharing personal stories, advocating for change, and highlighting achievements can challenge misconceptions and promote a more inclusive and accepting society.

​Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion: Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all. It is a call to action to ensure that our communities, institutions, and infrastructures are designed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility encompasses physical spaces, transportation, technology, education, employment, and more.y promoting universal accessibility, we create a world where everyone can fully participate and contribute.

​Building Empowerment: Celebrating disability pride is also about empowering individuals with disabilities. It is an opportunity to recognize their strengths, resilience, and accomplishments. By fostering self-acceptance, self-advocacy, and self-determination, we enable people with disabilities to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and lead fulfilling lives. Disability Pride Month provides a platform for showcasing the achievements and capabilities of individuals with disabilities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others.

Advocating for Change: Disability Pride Month is not just about celebration but also a catalyst for change. It encourages individuals, communities, and policymakers to advocate for equal rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. It serves as a reminder that we still must work to create a more inclusive society. Advocacy never ends in the disability community. This year we celebrate thirty-three years of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities, otherwise known as the ADA.  We must remember the key players in getting the ADA signed and that much work still needs to be done. In the 33 years since the ADA was signed into law, the disabled community still doesn't have marriage equality, can still be paid a subminimum wage in more than 30 states, and can't have more than $2,000 in assets.  The ADA is currently under legal cases going before the Supreme Court. These cases could weaken the ADA even more. We still have a long ahead to achieve equity, equality, and collective liberation. By amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities, supporting disability rights organizations, and working toward systemic change, we can create a future where everyone's rights and dignity are protected.

​What disability pride means to me? 
Taken from @thesaltpacket on Instagram, "Disability pride" doesn't necessarily mean "I'm proud to be disabled" It can also mean "I'm a disabled person persevering in an inherently ableist world, and I'm proud of that. I relate to this a lot. Both of these things can exist together. Disability pride brings complicated feelings for me. Yes, I'm glad we celebrate disabilities, but are we making life easier for those with disabilities. Disability pride means participating in community activities and being treated kindly. It means I don’t have to worry about being ignored because others see me and treat me respectfully. It means having the ability to afford a concert ticket, having the means to travel there, and enjoying time with my peers.

Here are some recent photos from Disability Pride Fest at MakeStudio: 

Conclusion: Disability Pride Month is an essential time to celebrate the diversity, achievements, and resilience of individuals with disabilities. It is a month to challenge stigmas, promote accessibility, empower individuals, and advocate for change. Allies can support us by centering disabled voices, establish a foundation of accessibility in every space you're in, join advocacy efforts without speaking over disabled people, and challenge implicit bias you hold surrounding disability. By embracing disability pride, we create a society that values and respects the contributions and worth of every individual. Let us come together to celebrate Disability Pride Month and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Written by Emily Wachter

Emily Wachter (she/they) owns and is an entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer passionate about disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a social worker. Emily has spoken on several disability panels on living with autism and bullying experiences. She is involved with several disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.