Chicago Disability Pride Month Parade advocates for the disability community July 22
Disability Pride Month stands as a momentous breakthrough for the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, under President George H.W. Bush. This year marks the law signing's 33rd anniversary, in which countless individuals stand in unity to respect the efforts gone to the disability population. In addition to the month of July being known as Disability Pride Month, the day of July 26 is referred to as National Disability Independence Day.
This month aims to communicate the importance of respect and acknowledgement for those who are a part of the disability community, as well as those who work everyday to improve their lives by fighting and advocating for their rights, independence, and equality. Supporters believe that self-autonomy for individuals with disabilities does not simply indicate physical independence, but also self-advocacy and a sense of control of their own lives, so that their ability to discover personal interests and goals are not diminished and hindered upon. The ADA has facilitated this objective through efforts to facilitate inclusivity in local/state governments, education, public accommodations, public transportation, communication/technological advancements, public housing, and job opportunities.
The disability pride flag is a symbol of being in solidarity with the disability community. Ann Magill originally created the flag with zigzag lines to represent the adversities those with disabilities must overcome throughout their lives. However, taking into consideration individuals with photosensitive and seizure/migraines, the zigzags were switched to stripes of intercommunal unity that break through the glass wall of darkness.
Each colored stripe represents a certain type within the larger disability community, and the choice of color was taken into consideration of those with color blindness as well:
Green is for sensory disabilities
Blue is for emotional and psychiatric disabilities
White is for non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
Gold is for neurodiversity
Red is for physical disabilities
Though there are a plethora of methods of joining this movement for change, there are several ways to join in now: participating in a disability pride month parade in your local area, reaching out to government-elected officials for political action, donating to nonprofits advocating for this cause, and researching the stigmas and context behind this situation through books, movies, and other forms of media.
In regards to disability pride parades this month, there are currently six parades located in various parts of the United States. The Disability Pride Parade in Chicago, will start at 401 S. Plymouth Court, on Saturday, July 22. More information can be found on the Disability Pride Parade website at www.disabilityprideparade.org.
New York: Disability Unite Festival
Pennsylvania: Disability Pride PA
Illinois: Disability Pride Parade
Missouri: FestAbility: A Celebration of Disabilities
California: Disability Pride LA
Washington: Disability Pride Month - Artistic Justice Showcase