Ideas for marking Disability Pride Month and the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July is Disability Pride Month. Each year, Disability Pride Month celebrates the rich tapestry of disability experience and honors the collective achievements and history of the disability community.
Why July? July was chosen as Disability Pride Month because the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, communications, public accommodations, and access to state and local government programs and services.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month is about elevating the voice and visibility of people with disabilities. A few ideas on how you can participate:
- Learn about the Disability Rights Movement:
- The Disability Rights Movement, the Smithsonian’s interactive online exhibit of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and
- The Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, from the University of California Berkeley’s online collection.
- Take in a movie like Crip Camp.
- Explore disability culture – the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Disability Cultural Center is one resource.
- Join a parade! In Illinois, the Disability Pride Parade will take place on July 22 in Chicago. March or just come out for the post-parade festivities. Be sure to stop by the IL ABLE booth and say hello!
“Disability Pride means I am proud to be who I am, and I am not ashamed of my disability.” Tom, IL ABLE Account Owner
IL ABLE Accounts can help empower people with disabilities to build strong financial futures and greater economic inclusion. Learn more about IL ABLE at illinoisable.com.