Day 19: Disability Pride

Disability Pride is a philosophy that raises awareness that people with disabilities are/can be proud of their disability identity. Disability Pride focuses on the social model of disability; celebrating disability as a natural part of life rather than something negative or remorseful as society commonly depicts it.  

July is designated as Disability Pride Month because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law in the month of July. The first Disability Pride Day celebration was held in 1990 in Boston and the first Disability Pride Parade was held in 2004 in Chicago. Today, Disability Pride events are held throughout the world.  

The Disability Pride flag, pictured below, was created by Ann Magill who is a woman with a disability. The black field represents mourning for those who have suffered as a result of ableism. The zigzag stripe represents how people with disabilities have to navigate barriers in creative ways. The five colors on the flag, blue, yellow, white, red, and green, represent the variety of needs and experiences with the parallel stripes showing the solidarity within the disability community.

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Discussion

• Does the concept of Disability Pride surprise you? Why or why not?
• Why do you think people with disabilities need Disability Pride? 
• How can you support people with disabilities in gaining a greater sense of Disability Pride?

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