CELEBRATING JULY AS NATIONAL DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
BY HEIDI MCIVOR ALLEN
July is National Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals with disabilities while promoting awareness, inclusivity, and equal rights and opportunities. National Disability Pride Month emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of people with disabilities and working collectively towards a more inclusive society.
The month-long observance offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in disability rights while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with different capabilities. Keep reading to learn more about the significance of National Disability Pride Month and how you can join us at McIvor Marketing in celebrating the disabled community.
WHAT IS NATIONAL DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH?
THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF NATIONAL DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH
National Disability Pride Month has its roots in the Disability Rights Movement, which gained momentum during the 1960s and 1970s. The movement led to significant legislative changes, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975. However, it was the enactment of the ADA in 1990 that solidified disability rights as a critical social justice issue.
Disability Pride Month was first officially established in July 1990 alongside the ADA’s signing. The inaugural Disability Pride March took place in Boston in 1990, marking the beginning of annual celebrations that would spread across various cities in the United States. Over the years, the observance has grown, reflecting broader societal acceptance and recognition of disability rights.
RAISING AWARENESS: DISABILITIES COME IN MANY FORMS
Disabilities are more common than often recognized, with a significant impact on individuals and communities worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 billion people, which is about 16% of the global population, experience a significant disability.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 26% of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. On that note, disabilities come in many forms, each with its own unique challenges and needs.
Physical disabilities affect a person’s mobility, dexterity, or stamina, and can include conditions like spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and arthritis.
Sensory disabilities impact the five senses, such as blindness, deafness, or deaf-blindness.
Cognitive and intellectual disabilities affect mental capabilities like learning, problem-solving, and memory, seen in diagnoses like Down’s Syndrome, autism, and traumatic brain injury.
Psychiatric and mental health disabilities involve a person’s emotional, behavioral, or mental well-being, ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and PTSD.
Chronic health conditions or ongoing physical or medical issues that significantly limit daily activities, from cancer and diabetes to epilepsy and chronic pain, also fall under the umbrella of disability.
Disability is a diverse spectrum, and many individuals live with multiple, intersecting impairments. Recognizing this breadth of experiences is crucial to ensuring true representation and pride for those with disabilities.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF NATIONAL DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH?
The primary goals of National Disability Pride Month include:
Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of people with disabilities in various fields, including arts, sports, education, and advocacy.
Advocating for Rights: Promoting disability rights and pushing for policies that enhance accessibility and inclusion in all areas of life.
Combatting Stereotypes: Challenging and dismantling harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about people with disabilities, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
Raising Awareness: Educating the public about the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities and the social, economic, and physical barriers they face.
Moreover, this observance is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, determination, and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities. It highlights their strength and tenacity in overcoming barriers and challenges, as well as their invaluable role in shaping culture, arts, sciences, and many other facets of society.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY IN THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
As we celebrate National Disability Pride Month, it is essential to uplift those with disabilities, listen to their experiences, and support initiatives that advance their rights and well-being. Whether it’s through promoting inclusive education, improving employment opportunities, or ensuring equal access to healthcare and public services, there are numerous ways you can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Here are some concrete ways to participate in National Disability Pride Month:
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local disability organizations or events.
Donate: Contribute to charities and nonprofits that support disability rights and services.
Educate Yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, and attend workshops to learn more about disability issues and history.
Amplify Voices: Share stories from people with disabilities on social media to raise awareness and understanding.
JOIN MCIVOR MARKETING IN CELEBRATING DISABILITY PRIDE
As a full-service digital marketing agency that offers a full spectrum of digital marketing services, we believe it’s our responsibility to celebrate the full spectrum of our team’s, clients’, and colleagues’ abilities in everything we do. That’s why we make a concerted effort to amplify diverse experiences and resources on our blog and social channels, uplifting the personal stories and perspectives of the people in the disability community.
We also conduct thorough accessibility audits of our clients’ websites and digital assets, ensuring they meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and providing recommendations to remove barriers. Furthermore, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are core values that guide our hiring practices–we actively work to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community, including recruiting and supporting employees with disabilities.
We’re not only doing the right thing, but we’re also setting a positive example for our industry and creating more accessible, welcoming online spaces for people of all capabilities.
THE BOTTOM LINE
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