Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Honoring Identity, Visibility, and Empowerment
Every July, communities across the United States and beyond come together to celebrate
Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the history, achievements, and identities of people
with disabilities. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the
importance of inclusion, accessibility, and the ongoing fight for equity. At In2Great, we
celebrate Disability Pride Month this month and every month!
What Is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) on July 26, 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against
individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Before that date, people had no legal
recourse and no options when places and situations were not accessible. On March 12,
1990, a pivotal moment in the fight for disability rights unfolded on the steps of the U.S.
Capitol. Known as the “Capitol Crawl,” this powerful demonstration included over 1,000
activists who participated in a demonstration from the White House to the Capitol. The
most memorable moment of the demonstration happened when dozens of these
protestors at the Capitol abandoned their mobility aids and began to climb, crawl, and
edge up the steps to the top of the west Capitol entrance on the National Mall. Some
climbing on their own and some climbing with help from friends and family, they were
cheered on by allies, onlookers, and the press. This direct action, which forced Congress
to see them, was the pivotal moment in the fight for equity for disabled people. July has
become a time to recognize the diverse experiences of disabled individuals and to
challenge the stigma that often surrounds disability.
Why Disability Pride Matters
Disability Pride is about embracing disability as an integral part of identity—not something
to be ashamed of or hidden. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the United
States (that’s approximately 70 million people) have a disability. Having pride in who we
are promotes inclusion and ensures people with disabilities are accepted exactly as they
are, without conditions. It’s about visibility. Amplifying the voices and stories of disabled
people help us all to understand our similarities and rejoice in our differences. It’s about
empowerment. Encouraging self-advocacy and pride in one’s identity allows people the
dignity and self-respect they deserve. It’s about community. Building solidarity and
support among people with disabilities and allies creates powerful voices and makes
social and political changes possible. It’s about education. Raising awareness aboutableism, accessibility, and the need for systemic change benefits all of us. Knowledge is power.
The Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill, a disabled woman, features a black
background with a zigzag of five colors. Each color represents a different aspect of the
disability community:
• Red: Physical disabilities
• Gold: Neurodivergence
• White: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Blue: Psychiatric disabilities
• Green: Sensory disabilities
• The zigzag symbolizes how disabled people must navigate barriers in a world not
built for them.
How to Celebrate and Support
Whether you’re disabled or an ally, there are many ways to honor Disability Pride Month:
1. Listen and Learn: Follow disabled creators, read books by disabled authors, and
attend events or webinars. We recommend the following books for children: “My
Whirly Twirly Motor”, by Merriam Saunders, “My Brain is Magic”, by Prasha Sooful,
“The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book for Kids”, by Beth Leipholtz, “The
Abilities In Me” by Gemma Keir, and “Just Right For You” by Dr Melanie
2. Advocate for Accessibility: Push for inclusive design in workplaces, schools, and
public spaces. Contact your local and state governments. Let them know where you
will place your vote and what is important to you.
3. Share Stories: Use your platform to highlight the voices of disabled individuals.
Every journey is a story to be told, and every story told is an opportunity for growth.
4. Reflect on Ableism: Examine how societal structures and attitudes can marginalize
disabled people—and how you can help change that. Insight and self-reflection are
the beginnings of change, and they take strength and courage. You can do it. Be the
change you want to see in the world.
Moving Forward Together
Disability Pride Month is a celebration—but it’s also a call to action. It reminds us that true
inclusion means recognizing the value of every person, regardless of ability. As we
celebrate this month, let’s commit to building a world where everyone can thrive. “Beingdisabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life.” –
Emma Thompson, Academy Award winning actress and disability advocate.