Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary
On July 26, 1990, the United States recognized the rights of numerous people by signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law represented a historic advance in the civil rights movement by protecting the fundamental social rights of people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prevents discrimination and protects individuals in various aspects, such as employment, public accommodations, communication, transportation, and access to government services and programs. Its goal is to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Each year, in July, availing the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we observe Disability Pride Month. This celebration started in 1990 as a day to honor when the ADA was signed into law. Then, the following year, the city of Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. Later, the first official Disability Pride Month happened in July 2015, celebrating the ADA’s 25th anniversary.
Disability pride does not intend to ignore the difficulties and obstacles that people with disabilities face in daily life. Rather, it strives to honor their inherent value and contributions. Being proud is not about liking disabilities or pretending they do not exist.
Instead, embracing disability pride means refusing to feel ashamed and rejecting the false belief that anyone could be less capable of contributing and participating in the world. People with disabilities are not a burden but valued members of society. Disability pride is a declaration that potential and worth are equal for everybody, regardless of physical ability.
How to observe Disability Pride Month
Disabilities can vary significantly from one to another and even day to day for the same person. Hence, taking necessary measures is essential to ensure everyone can participate comfortably in any event. There are many ways for both people with disability and allies of the community to take part in and demonstrate support, such as:
As we celebrate Disability Pride, we acknowledge and celebrate the progress that the disability community has achieved. But we also look towards the future with hope, striving to create a better world for those who come after us.
