The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 34!
Disability pride is not something that happened overnight for me. For a long time after my injury I felt shame and like I was a burden. Over time, as I made an effort to connect with other people with disabilities, I came to value my community and admire so many disability leaders that are unapologetic and lead with care and kindness. That is what pride means to me: community, care and love…individually and collectively.
Reveca, IL ABLE Account Owner
IL ABLE salutes Reveca and all people with disabilities during this Disability Pride Month! July is a central month for people with and without disabilities to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and disability pride. Across the country, people with disabilities and their allies honor the achievements, contributions, struggles, culture and pride of the disability community.
Disability pride is as diverse as the disability community. Along with Reveca, here’s what a few other IL ABLE Account Owners have to say:
“I learned at a very early age that I could never be ‘just like everybody else.’ I would have to live a life that worked for me. Learning that actually made it easier to be my true self.” Michael
“To me, disability pride means that I can pursue my dreams and get a job where they value all of me, including my disabilities.” Amethyst
“Disability pride means being myself and people accepting me as I am. I can have hopes and dreams like everyone else and be proud of all my accomplishments.” Tom
And, for Phyllis, Tom’s parent and supporter, disability pride means, “Every year at this time, I think back on all Tom has achieved since his adoption in 1983. He has gone from a boy who wouldn’t accept his disability to a young man who is confident and determined to show off all his abilities. We are very proud that he never gives up.”
Gigi experiences pride by owning her IL ABLE Account. “I am super glad I learned how having an IL ABLE account can help me as a person with an intellectual disability who needs to keep my disability benefits eligibility. I can save money and spend money on expenses like my assistive technology needs. My parents help me keep my savings safe in my IL ABLE account.”
What does Disability Pride mean to you? Let us know at able@illinoistreasurer.gov.
IL ABLE can be an important resource to help empower people with disabilities to build strong financial futures. Learn more about IL ABLE at illinoisable.com and read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.
If you have questions, call customer service at 888-609-8683, Monday – Friday between 9 am – 5 pm.