Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, promotes disability rights, and commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was signed into law on July 26th, 1990, to prohibit discrimination based on disability. The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in the same year, and the first Disability Pride Parade took place in Chicago in 2004. These events marked important milestones for disability inclusion.
Disability Pride Month recognizes that disability is not a deficiency, but a part of human diversity that should be acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated. It is estimated that more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have a disability. People in the disability community may have different experiences, challenges, and achievements than those without disabilities. However, they also desire and deserve respect and meaningful lives.
The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates declared the 2025 Disability Pride Month theme is “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.” This captures the message that people with disabilities are a valuable part of all communities, and that should be recognized without conditions. According to The Arc, this year’s theme is reflective of growing threats to disability rights and a call to action to reject ableism, discrimination, and exclusion. “It reminds us that people with disabilities will not be erased, ignored, or pushed aside.”
People with disabilities should be respected and accepted as they are, and conformation should not be required for inclusion. Differences are something to take pride in. Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder to celebrate differences, overcoming challenges, and accomplishing goals! At LIFEPlan, we are doing just that by sharing what makes our members proud! Keep an eye out on this blog and our social media pages for stories from our members!
How can you celebrate Disability Pride Month?
- Protect Disability Rights!
- Attend a Disability Pride Event!
- Speak out against harmful language!
- If you notice people using offensive and outdated language, share why it is harmful to people with disabilities.
- Share what makes you proud and uplift the voices of people with disabilities!