DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to recognize, celebrate, and uplift the disability community. This month honors the diversity, lived experiences, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities, while also calling on everyone to promote inclusion and accessibility in every aspect of our society. These values are at the heart of our mission at ACANY and LIFEPlan CCO NY, as we continue to advocate for equity, dignity, and opportunity for the individuals we serve.

This year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” was chosen by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA), a disabled-led national council. It is a statement about how inclusion benefits everyone. This is exemplified by disability-informed designs and inventions like “curb cuts, closed captioning, audiobooks, and voice dictation.” The theme is both a celebration and a call to action to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Disability Pride Month is observed in July to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark civil rights law marked a major step forward in protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. While Disability Pride Month began in the United States, it has increasingly become recognized around the globe as a time to amplify disability pride, visibility, and advocacy.

The Disability Pride flag was created by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy. Her original design featured zigzag stripes symbolizing the ways disabled people often must navigate around barriers in everyday life. While the design gained popularity in 2019, some members of the community noted that the bold colors and zigzag pattern could create a strobe-like effect on screens for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

In response, Magill redesigned the flag in 2021. The updated version features straight diagonal stripes and more muted colors, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and inclusion—even within the symbol itself.

Thanks to input from the disability community, the original design of the disability pride flag (left) was updated in 2021 (right) to be more accessible.

Furthermore, each of the colors on the flag represents the various experiences and needs within the disabled community:

  • Red — Physical disabilities
  • Gold — Neurodiversity
  • White — Non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
  • Blue — Emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental health conditions
  • Green — Sensory disabilities (hearing, vision, and processing differences)
  • Charcoal background — Acknowledges those who have experienced ableism and represents resistance against it

Disability Pride Month is not only a time for reflection, but also for action. Consider participating in events, educating yourself, and supporting disability-led initiatives.

Learn more about Disability Pride Month and find resources here:

Attend Upcoming Disability Pride Month Events: