07/29/2024
We commemorate July as National Disability Pride Month or National Disability Independence Month due to the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Both are crucial milestones in the journey toward accessibility and equality for all people, regardless of the type of disability they may have.
It is an event that promotes awareness for the about 61 million adults in the United States who live with at least one disability. These disabilities may not be physical or even visible: they could be learning, developmental or intellectual disabilities, or mental or chronic illness.
But as common as disability is, not many people know how to talk about disability or how to interact with disabled people.
"To so many people, [disability] remains a mystery, this scary and overwhelming topic," says disability rights activist and writer Emily Ladau. "But that's not what we should do when it comes to disability, because it's just something that's part of what makes people who they are."
National Disability Pride Month is not just about awareness—it’s about understanding and respect. It emphasizes the need to see individuals with disabilities for their abilities and potential, acknowledging their struggles and applauding their triumphs.
