In July, we celebrate the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a monumental civil rights law. As we commemorate this historic event, we invite you to join us in amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities.
The Disability Pride flag was originally designed in 2019 and reimagined in 2021. Each color represents a different aspect of the diverse disability community. Red signifies physical disabilities, gold represents neurodiversity, white stands for non-apparent and yet-to-be-diagnosed disabilities, blue embodies emotional and psychiatric disabilities, and green symbolizes sensory disabilities. The charcoal backdrop serves as a reminder of the mourning and rage experienced by victims of ableism and ableist violence.
It's a time to recognize and celebrate disability as a part of human diversity. Disability is an integral part of identity, community, and culture, and should be embraced and respected. By unpacking internalized ableism, the beliefs and attitudes that devalue people with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive society.
We've come a long way in advancing disability rights, but there is still so much more work to be done. As we strive for an inclusive and accessible society, we need to shift our understanding of disability.
Language plays a significant role in how we perceive disability. Historically, disability has been seen as brokenness, something to be overcome. This is reflected in the language we use, such as "differently abled" or "low functioning." Such terminology perpetuates the idea that disability is something lesser or shameful.
Disability Pride challenges this narrative. It acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in a world that is not always designed for them. But it also recognizes disability as an asset, an integral part of one's identity. Disability is not something to be fixed; it is a part of who we are.
In workplaces, there is often a gap between the number of employees who disclose a disability and those who feel comfortable identifying as disabled. This highlights the need for a supportive culture that encourages openness and provides robust support for colleagues with disabilities. Creating inclusive environments where experiences and resources can be shared is crucial.
To foster a culture of disability inclusion and accessibility year-round, we must take intentional actions. Here are some strategies to consider:
Listen to disabled voices, reflect on and challenge any ableist assumptions and seek out and challenge ableism in your interactions, the media, and the world around you.
Understand that accessibility benefits everyone. Incorporate accessibility standards that apply to your designs, communications, and interactions.
Recognize that accessibility is a journey and create a strategic plan that fosters incremental learning, capacity building, and design changes.
When we prioritize accessibility from the outset, we not only empower the disabled community but also unlock opportunities for innovation.
It’s important to own the labor of amplifying the voices of the disabled community. This goes beyond simply stepping aside; it involves actively restating messages in decision-making settings, taking on the emotional and mental labor, and proactively sharing and resharing diverse perspectives.
This Disability Pride Month, let's celebrate the progress we've made and continue pushing for a more inclusive society. By embracing diversity and challenging ableism, we can create a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities.
Join us as we continue to elevate the celebration of Disability Pride beyond a single month.
Victor Nguyen is MIND’s Content and Community Specialist. Victor is a passionate storyteller with a penchant for creative writing. In his free time, you can find him engrossed in books, going on long hikes, or trying to meditate.
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