July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate the history, achievements, identities, and contributions of people with disabilities. It is an opportunity to recognize disability as a natural part of human diversity and celebrate the strength, creativity, and leadership of the disability community.
Disability Pride Month is observed each July in recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. While we celebrate the progress that has been made, Disability Pride Month is also a reminder that the work to create accessible, inclusive communities continues.
Centering Disability Pride
Disability pride means embracing disability as an important part of identity. It recognizes that people with disabilities should not be expected to hide who they are or change to fit into a world that was not designed with everyone in mind. Instead, disability pride celebrates disability culture, community, advocacy, and the many ways disabled people contribute to our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities.
At The Arc Minnesota, we believe people with disabilities should lead the conversation about disability. Disability Pride Month is a chance to listen to, learn from, and uplift people with lived experience—not just this month, but throughout the year.
Celebrating Disability Joy
Disability Pride Month is about more than recognizing barriers. It is also about celebrating disability joy.
Disability joy is found in community, friendship, creativity, self-expression, advocacy, and belonging. It is celebrating accomplishments, sharing stories, embracing identity, and creating spaces where people with disabilities are welcomed, respected, and valued exactly as they are.
Joy reminds us that disability is not something to overcome—it is part of the rich diversity that makes our communities stronger.
Join a Disability Pride Month Event
One of the best ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month is by connecting with your community.
Throughout July, organizations across Minnesota are hosting Disability Pride events that celebrate disability identity, culture, creativity, and community. From festivals and art workshops to educational programs and community gatherings, there are many opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate.
The Arc Minnesota is proud to host and participate in Disability Pride events across the state. Whether you’re attending your first event or returning year after year, we invite you to join us in celebrating disability history, uplifting people with lived experience, and building a more inclusive Minnesota.
Click here to view our event calendar to find a Disability Pride event near you.
Download Free Disability Pride Photo Boards
Looking for a fun way to celebrate at your event, workplace, school, or community gathering?
We’ve created free, downloadable Disability Pride photo board designs that you can print locally. Simply download your favorite design, have it printed on 30 x 20-inch poster board at your local print shop (such as Walgreens or another photo printing service), and cut out the center to create a fun photo opportunity.
These photo boards are a great way to spark conversations, celebrate disability pride, and create lasting memories at your Disability Pride event.
Click here to download the free photo board designs.
Wear Your Disability Pride
We’re also excited to introduce new Disability Pride designs in The Arc Minnesota’s online merchandise store.
Each design is available in multiple colors and apparel styles, and you’ll also find hats, backpacks, and other accessories—with even more products being added throughout the year. You can also shop The Arc Minnesota branded apparel and accessories to show your support for disability rights and inclusion all year long.
Every purchase benefits The Arc Minnesota’s mission to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Click here to view our online merchandise store and shop the collection.