Celebrate Disability Pride Month this July! Celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of more than one billion people with disabilities. Embrace inclusion, advocate for equality, and challenge stereotypes. Learn about the history and the Disability Pride flag, and join us in creating a more inclusive society.
Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a month that honors the achievements, experiences and contributions of people with disabilities. More than one billion people in the world have disabilities. Within this group there is a wide range of orientations, religions, genders, ... . It's not just about raising awareness; it's more than that. We want to encourage people to take action: embrace inclusion and diversity in society, create awareness, advocate for equal rights & opportunities, counter stereotypes and much more.
Theme of 2024
This year's theme is "We Want a Life Like You." The theme comes from The Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates. The desire for life experiences of people with disabilities are often denied. Therefore, this theme is a call for understanding, acceptance, empowerment and reminds us that everyone deserves a life just like everyone else. People with disabilities should have access to the same experiences and opportunities as people without disabilities. They should not experience social or physical barriers. Thus, people with disabilities often face lack of accessibility, misconceptions, stereotypes and discrimination.
The History of Disability Pride Month
On March 12, 1990, more than 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand that the Americans with Disabilities Act must be included. Upon arrival, about 60 activists demonstrated by getting out of their wheelchairs or setting aside their mobility aids and crawling up the steps of the Capitol in an act of civil disobedience. Police subsequently arrested 104 activities for unlawful demonstration, including many people in wheelchairs.
On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. Over the years, Disability Pride has evolved into a month-long focus on people with disabilities. Thus, every July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month to commemorate the historic moment.
The Disability Pride Flag
Disability pride month is recognized by the disability pride flag. The 5 colors, dark background and the straight diagonal banner represent inclusion. They are muted colors that symbolize the different facets of daily life for people with disabilities.
Charcoal gray background: In memory of people with disabilities who died as a result of abuse, suicide, ableism, negligence, disease and violence.
Diagonal band: breaking barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating and integrating into society.
Red stripe: Physical disabilities (chronic pain/fatigue, mobility problems, loss of limbs).
Gold stripe: neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, dyslexia).
White stripe: Undiagnosed and invisible disabilities.
Blue stripe: emotional and psychiatric disabilities (depression, PTSD, anxiety).
Green stripe: sensory disabilities (hearing loss, visual impairments).
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Written by Nico De Wilde