As we kick off the month of July, a month that is usually known in the United States for its focus on pride in our country, we also take a moment to celebrate a different kind of pride—a sense of pride based on identity, independence, and years of advocacy and accomplishment. It’s Disability Pride Month, and we at the IMAGE Center couldn’t be prouder of the community we serve!
What is Disability Pride Month?
Put simply, for the disability community, Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate ourselves and each other. It coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26, 1990), so it’s a fitting time to pay tribute to the many advocates and activists who have helped us to get the access we have today. But it’s not just a time for celebrating past accomplishments; it’s also a time to reflect on where we are now and what still needs to be done so that people with disabilities can have a brighter future.
Many advocacy organizations in the disability community deliberately hold their conventions during Disability Pride Month, including the National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, and the National Council on Independent Living. All of these organizations (and others) are pivotal forces in improving access for people with disabilities, and the physical presence of thousands of independent and confident people with disabilities in one place is a visible sign of disability pride. In fact, if you’re going to NFB or NCIL, you might run into someone from the IMAGE Center!
A Personal Perspective
Last year, in celebration of Disability Pride, our Bridges Project produced a series of videos featuring disability community leaders sharing their perspective on the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a wide variety of settings, from education to employment to government. They also interviewed two longtime advocates who worked to pass the ADA and are still leading accessibility efforts today. Check out this interesting and inspiring series of videos on this YouTube playlist.
Spread the Word!
You may have noticed the hashtag in the title of this post. That’s because we think the disability community doesn’t get talked about enough on social media. So why not use Disability Pride Month as a chance to do just that? Advocacy organizations are using #DisabilityPride for their posts throughout July. So, if you want to join us, share this blot post (and maybe some thoughts of your own) and use the hashtag #DisabilityPride. If you tag us on Facebook or Instagram, we might just share your post. To the disability community in Maryland and beyond, happy Disability Pride Month! Celebrate yourself and each other; you deserve it!