Disability Pride Month: It's Time To Wave The Flag

Disability Pride Month is changing what it means to be inclusive and helping to create a culture where everyone can thrive. Held every July, this annual celebration challenges old stereotypes and celebrates the unique contributions of people with disabilities. Let's dive into how this growing movement reshapes our understanding of inclusion and paves the way for a fairer future.

The history of Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month has its roots in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. This groundbreaking legislation banned discrimination based on disability and required reasonable accommodations in areas like employment, public services, and telecommunications. Disability Pride Month, held in July to honour ADA, serves as a reminder of the significant progress made since the ADA, instilling hope for the ongoing work needed to achieve true equality.

This year (2024), you may have noticed an unprecedented surge in mentions of Disability Pride Month on LinkedIn and beyond. A quick examination of Google search trend data reveals a significant yearly growth in search volume, indicating the increasing momentum and awareness of this important movement.

Nothing Without Us

Often used in policy, 'Nothing Without Us' is a principle that emphasises the importance of including the full and direct participation of group members affected by a decision.

As Yolanda Vargas, a community leader, articulates in her article, ​"Let disabled people take the lead. Let disabled people define what disability pride is for themselves because it’s such an individualistic and internal thing."

Yolanda continues, "Barriers related to disabilities are often not cut and dry; many of them are attitudinal and generational. It takes real effort and hard conversations to help people unlearn those types of things."

We asked our friend and expert speaker, Emily Goodson, for her thoughts:

“Disability Pride month is important because of our community's beautiful diversity of voices. Disability intersects all races, gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, and socio-economic statuses. When I was growing up, disability was not something that we talked about in many families, schools, or organisations — much less something we showed on TV or in film.  Recognising Disability Pride Month is one of the ways we change that. There are so many stories that deserve platforms, and I am excited for them to be told.”

Emily is currently publishing her first book, Dating "Disability." It explores how the skills she’s learned from her lifelong physical disability, and how it could help all of us have stronger intimate relationships.

Sharing Disabled Voices and Stories

A 2024 Culture Amp report found ongoing disparities in career opportunities and leadership perceptions between disabled and non-disabled employees. This gap requires a fundamental shift towards genuine inclusion through continued reflection and transformative practices. This serves as a call to action for society to recognise the urgency and significance of Disability Pride Month, comprehend the challenges faced by these communities, and modify their perceptions and behaviours towards them.

Ironically, monthly observations are primarily designed for and made by people outside the groups they focus on. Reflecting on the principle of 'Nothing Without Us', Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to amplify the voices and stories of the disability community. Personal stories can make abstract ideas real and build empathy. Through social media, public speaking, and storytelling events, people with disabilities share their experiences, challenges, and victories. These stories are powerful tools for education and advocacy, helping to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive society.

"When I was growing up, disability was not something that we talked about in many families, schools, or organisations — much less something we showed on TV or in film."
— Emily Goodson

Alongside Emily, PepTalk has an incredible line-up of intersectional disability athletes, ready to share their stories with you. Mark Travis Riviera, Mia Ives-Rublee, Lex Gilette, Haley Moss, Austin Hatch, and Anthony Robles to name but a few.

Whether artists, athletes, scientists, or entrepreneurs, they’ve all made huge strides. By showcasing these successes, Disability Pride Month not only busts stereotypes but inspires others to see the potential in everyone, regardless of their abilities.

READ MORE: Disability Motivational Speakers: Boosting Inclusion at Work

Looking forward to Disability Pride Month 2025 and beyond

As Disability Pride Month continues to gain recognition, it's important to think about the future of this event. The ultimate goal is to create a world where disability is seen as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, not a limitation. 

We imagine a world where inclusive workplace practices are the norm and disability rights advocacy is part of all societies. This means ongoing efforts to challenge ableism, promote accessibility, and ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive. Happy Disability Pride Month.