As LGBTQIA+ Pride Month comes to a close at the end of June, July brings the beginning of a different celebration — Disability Pride Month.
Disability Pride is celebrated every July to honor the achievements of the disability community and shine a light on ableism and other struggles faced by the community.
Over 70 million adults in the U.S. report having a disability, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
The month also honors the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with this year marking 35 years since its passage in 1990.
The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in “everyday activities.” Under the law, disabled people are to be given the same opportunities as their abled peers when it comes to employment, state and local government programs, public transportation and more.
There is also a rich local history associated with the ADA’s passage.
After the ADA was introduced, it was stalled in the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. In response, hundreds of disability rights activists came to the District, according to the Zinn Education Project. Along with local activists, they gathered at the U.S. Capitol and the White House to protest against those trying to prevent the act from passing.
On March 12, 1990, disabled activists left behind their mobility aids and dragged themselves up the steps of the Capitol, demonstrating the barriers faced by the community and forcing lawmakers to see them. The protest became known as the “Capitol Crawl.”
The ADA was passed and then signed into law by former President George H.W. Bush a little over four months later on July 26, 1990.
As the disability rights movement continues to push forward, here are some inclusive and accessible ideas for how to celebrate the historic milestone.
Disability Pride Month Scavenger Hunt
When: Month of July
Where: Centreville Regional Library in Centreville, Virginia
Explore the Centreville Regional Library by looking for pictures of famous people with disabilities hidden around the library and matching them to the correct name. Participants can bring their completed scavenger hunt to the information desk for a small prize.
DCPL Disability Pride Scavenger Hunt
When: Month of July
Where: Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library in D.C.
Icons from disability history will be hidden around the library. Participants who find them all will win a small prize.
WAWABILITY
When: July 11 and 12, doors open 5 p.m.
Where: The Anthem
WAWABILITY seeks to celebrate the ADA’s 35th anniversary by showcasing disabled performers, including musicians, dancers and comedians. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here. You can also find a full lineup on the event’s website.
Disability Pride Arts Fest
When: July 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland
Over a dozen disability and arts organizations and artists are slated to come together for free and inclusive arts experiences, performances and resources, according to the event page. It’s free, but you can get tickets and more information here.
Disability Pride Outside
When: July 26, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyd, Maryland
Montgomery County Parks is holding a family-friendly day of adaptive outdoor activities. Free kayak equipment and pontoon boat spots will be available for participants with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free but does require registration.
The Arc Exhibit
When: July 5 to Aug. 31, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: The Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, Maryland
The Arc of Frederick County, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is holding an exhibit of original artwork they say “reflects the voices, stories, and talents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community,” according to the event page. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
ASL classes with DCPL
When: Beginner class every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.; intermediate class every Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library in D.C.
Take beginner or intermediate American Sign Language classes that “introduce participants to the language and culture of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, while providing instruction on the basics of ASL in a fun, inclusive and interactive setting.”
Virtual museum exhibitions
If you want to get a better understanding of disability history, there are many online exhibitions you can explore from wherever you are. Try the Disability History Museum, the Smithsonian’s EveryBody: An Artifact History of Disability in America or the National Park Service’s Disability History series.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
