Disability Pride Month: How to Celebrate With Respect and Joy

Every July, Disability Pride Month offers a powerful reminder that disabilities are not something to be ashamed of, but are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Observed in honor of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of people with disabilities. This includes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), and it’s a great time to honor the unwavering dedication of their caregivers as well.

What Is Disability Pride Month?

This Pride Month is not just about disability awareness; it's about affirmation. While Disability Awareness Month (in March) focuses on educating the public about disabilities and the barriers people face, Disability Pride Month centers the voices, experiences, and pride of people living with disabilities. The celebration challenges societal stigma and promotes inclusion by highlighting disability and disability pride as a valuable part of human identity, not a deficit.

The ADA’s passage was a landmark civil rights achievement, but the disability rights movement continues to push for greater access, equity, and respect. Disability Pride Month provides an opportunity to amplify that momentum and honor those who advocate for themselves and others.

Celebrating the Power and Pride of Disability Communities

There are many ways to observe Disability Pride Month meaningfully:

• Learn about disability history and culture. Understanding the past, such as the activism that led to the ADA and the Independent Living Movement, can help shape a more inclusive future. Of equal importance is understanding the cultures and needs of various disability communities today.

  
  

• Support disability-led organizations. Contributing time or funds to nonprofits led by people with disabilities helps build a more equitable support system. National organizations like The Arc and localized organizations like Progressive Lifestyles also advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with IDDs and their families.

  
  

• Attend events or parades. Many cities host Disability Pride parades or virtual events. These gatherings provide a platform to celebrate community, protest discrimination, and connect with allies.

  
  

• Celebrate caregivers. Many individuals with IDDs thrive because of the dedication of family members, direct support professionals, and other caregivers. Recognizing their efforts during Disability Pride Month is a meaningful way to honor the broader disability support network.

  
  

• Normalize accessibility and inclusion. Whether you're a business owner, educator, or neighbor, you can help by promoting accessibility. Something as simple as adding image descriptions or making your physical space wheelchair-friendly supports dignity and inclusion.

Amplifying Stories of Strength and Advocacy

People with IDDs show incredible strength as they navigate systems that are often not designed with them in mind. Celebrating Disability Pride Month is one way to honor that resilience. It’s also a chance to spotlight the everyday heroes — parents, guardians, friends, and direct service workers — who help make inclusion and independence possible. Disability Pride Month is a time to wave the flag, share stories, and stand together. Let’s celebrate pride, progress, and the promise of a more inclusive society.

Celebrate IDD Communities With Progressive Lifestyles

Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Waterford, Michigan, and we have been in operation since 1983. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residential opportunities for individuals with IDDs throughout Oakland County.

We support small, licensed, adult foster care homes and private residences with community living support, home help services, and private-duty nurses.

A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the “Culture of Gentleness” model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued by maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions. Contact us to learn more, and consider donating today!