Reflecting on Disability Pride Month
Each July, Disability Pride Month offers a chance to recognise and celebrate the experiences, culture and contributions of disabled people. It’s a time to pause, learn, and reflect on the value of inclusion and the many ways disability is part of the rich diversity of our communities. Disability Pride Month originally began in the United States, where it marks the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990 – a key moment in the history of disability rights. But the month has come to mean much more. It’s also about feeling seen, building confidence, and creating space for people to share their stories. Disabled people continue to face barriers, both big and small, in many areas of life. This month helps shine a light on those experiences and reminds us of the importance of listening, learning, and working together towards a more inclusive world. Chosen by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates, this year’s theme is a gentle but powerful reminder: disabled people are part of every community, and everyone deserves to feel welcome and included. It’s a message of belonging, and of pride in identity and lived experience. Disability Pride Month can look different for everyone. Whether it’s through conversation, creativity or learning something new, small actions can go a long way. You might like to: The idea of Disability Pride can feel different for each person – but at its heart, it’s about recognising disability as something to be respected, not hidden. It encourages us to replace stigma with understanding, and to celebrate each person as they are. It’s a time to honour identity, show solidarity, and help create a world where everyone feels they belong, without needing to change who they are. To help start conversations around Disability Pride Month, we’ve created a Let’s explore grid set. It includes vocabulary and topics to support people in expressing their thoughts, learning about identity, and talking about inclusion in a way that’s accessible to them.
What the month means
This year’s theme: “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay”
Simple ways to get involved
Why pride matters
Supporting conversations with Grid
