The InVisionary

Every July marks the month-long recognition of Disability Pride Month, where the achievements, experiences, history, and struggles of the disability community are honored worldwide. In coordination with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, Disability Pride Month is a movement built to foster self-acceptance, dignity, and celebration of the diversity and perspectives of the disability community. 

While the ADA was enacted in 1990, Disability Pride Month became more widely recognized in 2015 for the ADA’s 25th anniversary and is now commemorated as a month-long celebration. During this time, many communities come together for events, parades, and advocacy – sharing stories to honor the talents, cultural background, and contributions to society of people who experience disabilities. 

Last year, we shared an article diving into the history of Disability Pride Month – including the origin of the commemoration, categories of disabilities, movement milestones, and representation of the Disability Pride flag. As a follow up to this previous article, we wanted to take this time to share ways that you can support and celebrate Disability Pride Month in July and all year long.

Education

The first step in honoring a movement of any kind is learning about its history to understand its meaning. Taking the time to educate yourself and others on the discrimination, oppression, treatment, and the infringement of rights among people with disabilities in the past teaches us about the impact of Disability Pride in the present. 

To learn more, we encourage research, reading news articles, and staying up to date on the current happenings within the human services industry. You can get started by exploring the history, educational materials, and news available via organizations such as The Arc of the United States (The Arc), The Provider Alliance (TPA), the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), and Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR). 

Start Conversations & Share Stories 

At InVision Human Services, we have worked toward creating an environment where the people we support and their families are able to share their stories and have their voices heard. Starting conversations surrounding the experiences, needs, and history of the disability community may not always be easy. However, it is incredibly important to have these discussions as we make strides toward destigmatizing disabilities and avoiding assumptions about people with such a diagnosis. 

Topics such as overcoming adversity, reasons to be proud, and what others should know about the disability community can help foster a safe space and encourage others to join in – and feel comfortable while doing so. When posting to social media, use hashtag #DisabilityPride to be a part of the larger conversation! 

Advocate 

Advocating and acting toward bettering the lives of and services available to the disability community is vital to ensuring necessary changes come to fruition. Causes such as improved accessibility, increased funding for the human services industry, and encouraging self-advocacy help shine a light on these needs. Advocating also strengthens our voices as we come together to establish these changes as a priority to those in positions of power. 

For resources, additional information, and ways to connect with your elected officials, visit the advocacy tool kit pages on TPA and ANCOR’s websites. 

Host & Attend Events

Throughout July and the rest of the year, attending and hosting events is a significant way to show your support, as showing up speaks volumes. 

Learn more about the events happening throughout the state by visiting Disability Pride Pennsylvania. Also check out these free disability related events local to the Pittsburgh area via Carnegie Library’s website! 

Offer Jobs to People with Disabilities

According to The Arc, 85% of people with IDD are unemployed, but many wish to work. Help break down discrimination and shine a light on the talents, skills, and dedication of people with disabilities by welcoming them into your organization and offering employment. 

Within this article, we share just a few ways to get involved and show your support – but there are many ways to celebrate, advocate for, and support Disability Pride. July may be dedicated as Disability Pride Month, but it is crucial to continue these efforts and keep the momentum going all year long. As such, InVision is dedicated to ensuring the people we support – along with their loved ones, our staff, and others in the disability community – are valued, feel heard, and appreciated 365 days a year.

Happy Disability Pride Month! We look forward to seeing how you celebrate by keeping up with conversations through our coalition, the news, and social media.