July is Disability Pride Month!

Posted July 9, 2021 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®

People with disabilities are the largest and most diverse minority within the population, representing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. 

“Disability pride” is an integral part of movement building, and a direct challenge of systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability. Having disability pride means accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness, and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, a landmark law that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities. In that same year, Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. Although Disability Pride Day is not yet nationally recognized, parades are held in a number of places nationwide, such as Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, San Antonio and more. In 2015, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July Disability Pride Month in celebration of the ADA’s 25th anniversary. 

Disability pride events celebrate “disability culture” with the intention to positively influence the way people think about and/or define disability and to end the stigma of disability.

Because of misinformation and misunderstanding, people with disabilities are often not thought of as equals or valued members of society. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “As long as the mind is enslaved, the body can never be free.” As long as people feel ashamed of who they are, they will never realize the true equality and freedom they desire and can achieve. Take pride in yourself – not just this month but all year round!

Learn more here: https://www.ameridisability.com/post/how-to-display-disability-pride 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/02/how-disability-pride-month-started-and-what-means/7840560002/ 

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®