When is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July for the uniqueness and accomplishments of people with disabilities. This month is an empowering time for individuals to proudly acknowledge their disabilities as precious facets of their identities, creating visibility and rejecting the stigma and internalized ableism that society often imposes.
This month, we unite as a community to amplify one another’s voices and share stories of resilience. It is about promoting inclusivity and accessibility and encouraging everyone to create a world where everyone can thrive without barriers.
AmeriDisability describes Disability Pride Month as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”
The History & Meaning of the Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag is a powerful symbol of the movement toward inclusivity and recognition of the diverse experiences within the disabled community. Initially designed by Ann Magill, the flag has undergone various iterations to ensure it is inclusive and considerate of all disabilities. The current version, unveiled in October 2021, features a charcoal gray background with a diagonal banner of five colors: red, gold, white, blue, and green.
Each color on the flag holds specific importance. The green represents sensory disabilities, blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities, white signifies non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities, gold is for neurodiversity, and red symbolizes physical disabilities. The straight diagonal band of stripes is purposefully designed to cut across barriers that individuals with disabilities face, alluding to light cutting through the darkness. The charcoal gray background commemorates adults with disabilities who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness, and eugenics. It also represents rage and protest against the mistreatment of this community. According to Magill, the dark background connects to the pirates’ Jolly Roger flag, a general symbol of rebellion.
Magill’s original flag design included a zigzag motif to represent how adults with disabilities creatively navigate barriers. However, this design was updated to a straight diagonal pattern to mitigate visual triggers for those with photosensitive conditions like epilepsy and migraines. The flag’s evolution was a collaborative effort involving feedback from various sub-communities within the community. This collaborative process aligns with the community’s motto: “Nothing about us, without us.” The updated design has been well received and continues to symbolize pride, resilience, and unity for people with disabilities as we celebrate Disability Pride Month every July.
How Can I Become an Ally and Celebrate this Month?
One of the most impactful ways to honor Disability Pride Month is to educate ourselves about ableism—a belief system that devalues and discriminates against people with disabilities. Start by learning the appropriate terminology, reading insightful literature, and integrating digital accessibility into everyday life. Participate in Disability Pride celebrations, whether local events or online forums, to amplify the message of inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. You can also get involved in Eggleston’s initiatives to empower adults with disabilities with a donation. Read more about how Eggleston helps find employment for adults with disabilities here.
Engage in social media campaigns by sharing stories, resources, and factual information highlighting the community’s experiences and achievements. Prioritize accessibility by making sure the spaces you frequent, both physical and virtual, are welcoming and navigable for everyone. Support businesses and brands that value accessibility and inclusivity and advocate for policy changes that protect the rights of adults with disabilities.
Take these steps and find your place among the cultural shift towards understanding and acceptance. Being an ally is about continuous learning, proactive support, and using your voice to uplift those often unheard, especially during July Disability Awareness Month.
See Open Careers From Eggleston
For those ready to take the next step in their career, see how you can be a part of a supportive and inclusive workforce at Eggleston by exploring their current jobs for adults with disabilities here.
Eggleston Services has been dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities for over 69 years. Their mission is to empower individuals by providing education, training, and employment opportunities. Through partnerships with businesses and government institutions, Eggleston Services enables participants to lead full, independent lives. Contact us for more information.
