July is Disability Pride Month! This is a special time to celebrate the successes, history, and diversity of people with disabilities. At The Arc Minnesota, we are excited to amplify the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We want to help share their stories and make the world more inclusive.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month started in July 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. This law made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. It helped make places more accessible and inclusive. This month is a time to see how far we’ve come, recognize the challenges we still face, and celebrate the strength and contributions of people with disabilities.
What is Disability Pride?
Disability Pride means accepting and celebrating all parts of yourself, including your disability. It means not being ashamed of your disability, but seeing it as a valuable part of who you are. Disability Pride helps build self-confidence, community, and empowerment.
At The Arc Minnesota, we believe that every person’s story is important and deserves to be heard. Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique perspectives, talents, and accomplishments of people with IDD.
2024 Theme: “We Want a Life Like Yours”
This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. All month, we’ll share diverse stories of people with disabilities thriving as students, employees, leaders, engaged members of their communities and families, and more given a chance. Follow along on our Facebook page.
How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month
There are many ways to get involved and celebrate Disability Pride Month:
- Celebrate: Attend the ACT – Advocating Change Together Disability Pride Festival on July 18th.
- Advocate: Find out about disability rights, current issues and how you can advocate for change. Visit the Advocacy Toolkit our website to learn more.
- Share Your Story: If you have a disability, share your experiences to help educate others. One great place to do this is on the Brilliant Truths website.
- Learn: Here are some great resources to learn more about Disability Pride Month:
- How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month
- Everything to Know About the Disability Pride Flag and Disability Pride Month
- Disability Pride Month and the Disability Rights Movement
- Celebrating Disability Pride Month by recognizing access issues
- Beyond Barriers: Celebrating the ADA and Disability Innovators
Join Us in Celebrating Disability Pride
Let’s remember that Disability Pride is not just for July; it’s something to celebrate all year round. At The Arc Minnesota, we are here to support people with IDD every day, making sure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
This month, we invite you to celebrate the strength and diversity of the disability community with us. Share your story, learn from others, and join us in creating a more inclusive future.
Happy Disability Pride Month from all of us at The Arc Minnesota!