Disability Pride Month, And What Makes Our Clients Proud!
Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? At Helping Hand, we are dedicated to creating a world in which all are equally valued—and equally proud of who they are! We want to highlight the history behind this important celebration, give you ideas of ways to celebrate, and let you hear from some of our clients about what their experience of living with a disability is like.
In 1990, Boston held its first Disability Pride Day celebration. Chicago began holding its annual Disability Pride Parade in 2004 and the 21st edition of the parade was earlier this month! In 2015, New York City declared July to be Disability Pride Month, to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26th, 1990. Today, cities all around the country hold events in July to celebrate individuals with disabilities.
We asked three of our adult services clients what it’s like to have a disability, and their responses, while not shying away from the difficulties of having a disability, demonstrate a sense of pride and determination to be equally valued!
“I am capable of doing a lot for myself,” Jane says. “My disability doesn’t stop me from doing anything. Will love to get my own apartment one day. Because I would like to have my own bathroom. Still able to travel and go to different places.”
Burt remarks, “My disability sometime stops me from doing things. Like lifting and walking. Have to ask for help with things I used to be able to do for myself. Will like to be able to drive a car again. Will love to do welding and landscaping things I use to do as a job.”
Leon’s sense of pride is evident as he says, “My disability doesn’t stop me from doing anything. I’m still about to go on dates and out for dinner. I’m able to work out in the community. And catch a game and have fun.”
The Arc has created a list of things to do to celebrate Disability Pride Month, such as:
- Interacting with books, movies, visual art, and other media that depicts what it is like to live with a disability.
- Writing to lawmakers about proposed legislation that would affect the lives of individuals with disabilities.
- Attending events celebrating people with disabilities in your local community, whether they be in July or during other parts of the year.
As July comes to a close, always remember the importance of taking pride in yourself, and of ensuring that ALL are equally valued! And, from all of us at Helping Hand, we want to wish you a very happy Disability Pride Month!
Author: Madison Stasch
