Celebrating Disability Pride Month

What is Disability Pride Month?

July is Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride is celebrated in July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July of 1990, which protects against the discrimination of disabled people. Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate and honor the history and achievements of the disabled community as well as disabled joy, while also advocating for improved accessibility.

Disability in America

Approximately 54 million Americans have a disability. Some disabilities are visible, and others may not be. Disabilities covered by ADA include cerebral palsy, deafness/hearing loss, blindness/low vision, traumatic brain injury, mobility disabilities, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and many others. Disabled identity is one of many identities that an individual may hold.

How Can I Celebrate Disability Pride Month?

Education

· Learn about the history of disability rights in the U.S.

· Watch documentaries and films such as “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” and “CODA”

· For young children, share illustrated books such as “We Move Together”

Advocacy

· Join a local disability advocacy organization

· Share your disability story or amplify the voices of others who are sharing their story on social media

Disabled Joy and Celebration

· Attend a local Disability Pride Month event, such as a parade or festival

· Attend virtual Disability Pride Month events

· As a disabled person, engage in activities you love and enjoy

While it is important to celebrate Disability Pride, we must also acknowledge and hold space for the experience of systemic barriers that many disabled people face, such as stigma and lack of accessibility.

How can a psychologist support me or my disabled child?

Professional support may be helpful in gaining access to disability accommodations.

A psychologist may:

· Conduct an evaluation and come up with recommendations for accommodations and support

· Suggest and advocate for additions to an IEP or 504 plan at school

· Offer support in managing emotions or psychiatric symptoms, if applicable

Telehealth, or online therapy, is another option which may offer a more accessible way to access treatment for some.

Happy Disability Pride Month! May we celebrate the accomplishments of disabled activists to date and continue learning about and advocating for improved accessibility and disability justice.

Sources:

1. Disability pride. Disability Community Resource Center. (2018, February 12). https://www.dcrc.co/advocacy/

2. Introduction to the Americans with disabilities act. ADA.gov. (2023, June 28). https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

3. How many people in the United States have a disability? ADA National Network. (2023, July 12). https://adata.org/faq/how-many-people-united-states-have-disability#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Survey%20of,million%20Americans%20have%20a%20disability.