Celebrating Disability Pride

What is disability pride? How do you define pride?

Disability pride emerged in response to negative views of disability and to promote human rights. Many people view their disability as an integral part of who they are, rather than something that should be separated from their identity. Disabled people are sometimes framed by society as pitiable or helpless, but this outdated view can damage confidence and self- esteem, especially since discrimination against disabled people (ableism) is so prevalent.

There is no one definition of disability pride, as it means different things to different people, so we suggest checking out the resources below to learn more from diverse voices.

What is the history of Disability Pride Month?

On July 26,1990, after a hard-fought battle from disability advocates and allies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This landmark legislation ensured disabled people had greater access to employment, transportation, and the community. The first official Disability Pride celebration was in 2015, on the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Now, every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month to center and celebrate disabled people.

What is self advocacy?

Self-advocacy is advocating for one’s own rights rather than other people advocating on your behalf. There are a lot of self-advocates in the disability community pushing toward change in politics and society that directly impacts their lives. But being a self-advocate does not mean you fight alone — you fight alongside others with similar goals.

What is person-first or identity-first language?

Person-first language positions the word “person” before the disability, as the commonly used phrase “person with a disability” or “people with disabilities.” Many feel this wording ensures that people can look beyond disability to see that person as they are, while others feel this further stigmatizes disability by separating it from one’s identity and framing it as something negative.

Critics of person-first language usually prefer identity-first language. The latter is used in phrases like “disabled person” or “autistic person,” where the disability identity comes first and is intrinsically linked with personhood. This terminology is often preferred by self-advocates and disability-led organizations and is becoming more popular.

Regardless of how someone identifies, it’s important to respect the terms they use to describe themselves. If you are unsure whether to use identity-first or person-first language, it’s okay to ask.

How Easterseals Celebrates Disability Pride

We believe it is important to celebrate disability pride throughout the year! Learn about the ways we are highlighting the disability community in our programs and content.

Listen to Our Podcast

Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong is a podcast for the disability community by the disability community, hosted by two disabled women. But if you're not disabled, listen in to learn about real issues, celebrations, and conversations disabled people are having in their communities.

Listen In

Level Up with ES Gaming

Learn how Easterseals is changing the game for disability through our ES Gaming initiative. We’re building accessible and welcoming spaces where disabled and non-disabled gamers can play together. Through accessible tech lending libraries, a growing Discord community, and regular Twitch streams and events featuring disabled gamers, we are bringing gamers together and connecting them to communities.

Join In

Read Stories From Our Blog

Updated weekly, our blog highlights voices from the disability community and our experts working at Easterseals locations nationwide. Read authentic stories on topics like dating and relationships, experiences in education, and finding fulfilling employment. You can also learn about unique programs we provide to advance equity, inclusion, and access for those we serve.

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Learn about Easterseals and the ADA

Easterseals continues to work alongside advocates to ensure legislative change for people with disabilities. Learn about how we helped to support the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a bill that changed the way our country views accessibility. 

Learn More

Learn More from the Disability Community

There are so many ways to celebrate disability pride – including reading from different perspectives and experiences in the community. Disability isn’t a monolith! We recommend the following resources to learn more about the diversity within disability.

Celebrating Judy Heumann

Judy Heumann was known as the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement. It wasn’t just because of her undeniable impact, having led the charge through grassroots demonstrations and organizing to pass significant legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read More.