The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed on July 26, 1990, was a landmark legislation that further advanced the rights of people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to public spaces, transportation, employment, and other essential services.
The month of July is now Disability Pride Month, and for over 30 years has continued to serve as a reminder of the importance of such legislation and the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and accessible society. With July coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about how you can celebrate and show your disability pride throughout the rest of the year.
Celebrating disability pride and promoting inclusivity should be an ongoing effort throughout the year. Here are a few ways you can advocate for disability pride outside of celebrating every July:
- 1. Advocate for Accessibility: Encourage and support initiatives that promote accessibility in your community. This could include advocating for accessible infrastructure, transportation, public spaces, and digital content. By actively supporting accessibility measures, you contribute to a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities.
- 2. Support Disability Organizations: Get involved with local or national disability organizations that work towards empowerment and advocacy. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading the word about their efforts, your support can make a significant difference.
- 3. Engage in Disability-Inclusive Media: Support and engage with media that portrays people with disabilities in diverse and positive ways. Seek out movies, TV shows, books, and online content that promote authentic representations of individuals with disabilities.
- 4. Attend Events and Workshops: Throughout the year, there may be various events, workshops, and seminars related to disability awareness and inclusion. Attend these events to broaden your knowledge and support the disability community.
- 5. Encourage Empowerment: Celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities in your circle and beyond. Encourage their passions and pursuits, and recognize their abilities rather than focusing on limitations.
- 6. Be an Ally: Be an active ally to people with psychological or physical disabilities by listening to their experiences, showing empathy, and standing up against discrimination and ableism when you encounter it.
- 7. Embrace Universal Design: If you’re involved in designing spaces or products, consider raising awareness of universal design principles that make them accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
- 8. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to educate yourself and those around you about disability rights, challenges, and the experiences of people with disabilities. This can and should include education about updated language instead of using the phrase disabled people, the barriers faced by those seeking disability help from the government, and what forms of disability justice you can take on.
- 9. Be Active & Talk About It: By engaging in open and respectful conversations about the issues faced by people with disabilities, you’ll have a better understanding and ability to advocate alongside disability activists and the disability rights movement at any level.
Remember, celebrating disability pride is about fostering a society where everyone is valued and included. By practicing inclusivity in our daily lives and supporting positive change, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates proudly supports those with disabilities and helps them achieve or maintain their benefits. We’re here to answer any questions you might have about the application process. If you or someone you care about is looking to apply for or appeal their social security disability application, please contact us for a free consultation.
