Why Disability Pride Month Matters
Disability Pride Month celebrates the diversity of the disability community. It reminds us that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. It celebrates resilience, creativity, and individuality. That is by giving individuals with disabilities a space to express pride in who they are, without apology or shame.
Disability Pride Month reminds us to shift our focus from outdated stereotypes. We must challenge societal barriers by promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equity. This month allows us to create a space for empowerment and strength to build more advocacy for those in the disability community.
Disability Pride Month was created in July of 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed by President George H.W. Bush.
The first disability pride parade took place in Boston in 1990 to celebrate the signing of the ADA. It was held to create a space where those with disabilities could come together to celebrate their progress and achievements.
This July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month with the powerful message: ‘We Belong Here, and We Are Here to Stay.’ We wanted to explore what it means to be an ally. We want to know how to connect with and support disability-led communities.
What Does It Mean to Be an Ally to the Disability Community?
One of the most important aspects is recognizing how to be an ally within the disability community. Some simple ways to do this include:
Listen first by prioritizing the voices of people with disabilities! Being an ally starts with listening. Listening to people who live with disabilities every day. Their experiences, stories, and perspectives should lead the conversation. This is especially important when talking about disability-related policies, rights, or services.
Advocate for inclusion and accessibility! Advocate for environments where everyone can take part without needing to “ask” for accommodations. These can be small actions like asking why a meeting isn’t inclusive or checking that an event space is wheelchair accessible, but it all matters.
Speak up when you see ableism! If someone uses harmful language or makes assumptions about what a disabled person can’t do, correct them.
Learn from disability-led organizations & those with lived experience! Organizations help you stay informed and aligned with the community. Instead of speaking for the disability community, let them. Repost what they’re saying, link their articles (OR provide a link to their articles) invite them to speak on panels, and credit their work.
Resources from Disability-Led Organizations
There are many organizations dedicated to supporting powerful work within the disability community. The organizations provide resources, training, and highlighting voices for change.
Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1): A PA-based group led by and for people with developmental disabilities. They offer trainings and peer support rooted in advocacy and unity.
Disability Pride Pennsylvania: This nonprofit amplifies diverse disabled voices and builds community pride. Follow them for events, storytelling, and grassroots advocacy.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):A national organization by autistic people, for autistic people. Their motto, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” captures their mission to inform policy and shift narratives.
ADAPT: A long-standing disability rights group focused on direct action and systemic change. They focus especially around independent living and deinstitutionalization.
WildAbility:A fresh take on disability inclusion in nature and climate leadership. They’re redefining “outdoorsy” to include all bodies and abilities.
Advocacy Group Directory from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab:A full list of disability advocacy organizations (local and national). They work across issues from employment to healthcare to housing.
How to Stay Connected Year-Round
- Follow disability-led organizations and advocates on social media to stay informed and engaged!
- @crutches_and_spice – Imani Barbarin is a disability activist and communications specialist who shares media coverage and critiques as her experience as a black woman with disabilities
- @judithhuemann – Judith Heumann was an activist and podcast host involved in many accessibility cases. She was in the Crip Camp documentary and continues to advocate for inclusive policies and change.
- @theannieelainey – Annie Segarra is a youtuber activist who advocates for LGBT and disability rights. She speaks on media representation, accessibility, and body positivity.
- Attend virtual events or webinars
- UC San Francisco- “Spill the Disabili-Tea: Disability Pride Month Workshop” Virtual Zoom workshop on July 25th
- InclusionHub- links to expert and advocate workshops taking place for the rest of July
- Community Living Campaign – Disability Pride Month Virtual Treasure Hunt
- Subscribe to newsletters: See organizations listed above
- Volunteer or fundraise if you can
- Share posts, stories, and campaigns
- Keep learning, even after July!
Being an ally doesn’t stop when the month ends. The best way to show up is consistently. Whether it’s resharing an ASAN campaign or attending a Disability Pride PA event, every small action counts.
Our Reflection: Sofia & Lizzy
Working on this blog showed us how many incredible, disability-led organizations are already leading the way. As interns at Values into Action, we’ve seen how the mission and vision, empowering people to live their best lives, is something we practice and witness every day. We care about the people we support and are committed to spreading this message and helping create space for every voice to be heard.
Allyship starts with listening, learning, and lifting others up—and we’re proud to be part of that work. We’ve been inspired by other to take the first step. Whether it’s following a new organization, sharing a resource, or speaking up for inclusion, it is time to start!
We all belong here and we’re here to stay. – Sofia & Lizzy