July is Disability Pride Month (DPM), a time to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the challenges and successes of people living with disabilities like cerebral palsy. It is also a great opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for disabled rights and fundraise for research.
The History of Disability Pride
People with disabilities have long fought for equal access and equal rights. One of the most important events that began the modern disability rights movement took place in 1978. Nineteen people blocked buses in Denver with their wheelchairs to protest the lack of accessibility in public transportation. The event inspired advocacy in Colorado and beyond, ultimately leading to important legislation for access and protections from discrimination.
July was chosen to be DPM because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 26, 1990, so the month began as a celebration of the law. The ADA is an important law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The first Disability Pride Day took place in Boston the same year the ADA passed.
The first Disability Pride parade took place in Chicago in 2004. The first official celebration of DPM occurred in 2015, which was the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Today, many cities celebrate DPM with parades and other events throughout July.
Why Disability Pride Month?
In spite of the passing of the ADA in 1990, people with disabilities continue to experience discrimination. They still have to fight for resources and advocate for equal access. Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to continue that advocacy and to raise awareness for ongoing issues.
DPM is not just about advocacy, though. It is also a time to celebrate pride in a diverse community of people. Having pride in living with a disability does not mean dismissing the challenges people face. It means celebrating the worth and value people of all abilities have.
DPM is a time to celebrate, to advocate, and to recognize what people with disabilities go through and are capable of achieving. It’s a time to raise awareness about disabilities, raise funds for much-needed research, and honor the rights and dignity of all people.
How to Celebrate DPM
Anyone can participate in celebrating disability pride, including people with disabilities, their families, and allies interested in learning more and supporting the community. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Learn more about disabilities, listen to the stories of other peoples’ experiences, and evaluate your own biases and ableism.
- Reach out to state and federal lawmakers to ask for greater protections and access for people with disabilities.
- Donate to a research fund for a disability of your choice, one that affects you or someone you care about, for instance. Or, donate to or help raise funds for groups that provide resources and care for people with disabilities.
- Follow disability activists on social media and engage with them and their other followers.
- Find a DPM event in your area to attend and bring friends and family.
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusion in your community. If you see spaces that are difficult for people with disabilities, such as a church or a business, speak up and ask for changes.
Disability Pride Month is a great opportunity for anyone with or without disabilities to learn more and to celebrate all the diversity of the human experience.
