Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month?
It’s July, and that means it’s Disability Pride Month!
This month, we celebrate boldly, honor progress, and reflect on the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive society. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July because on July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, opening doors to jobs, education, transportation, and public spaces for millions of Americans.
The ADA paved the way for greater inclusion, and we celebrate it not only to remember how far we’ve come, but to keep pushing forward. For example, your favorite restaurant, Shelby Farms Park, Malco Theaters, and the Memphis Zoo are now more accessible to everyone thanks to the ADA.
Even if you don’t identify as having a disability, you can still celebrate!
Disability is the largest and most diverse minority group in the world—spanning all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds. In fact, 7 out of 10 of Tennesseans live with a disability, and 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. do too. Disability is a natural part of life, and if we’re lucky to live long enough, we’ll all experience it in some form. That’s why we honor those who advocated for a more equitable society—and why we continue to push for positive change.
This year, cities across Tennessee (yes, Memphis too!) are officially proclaiming July 26th, 2025 as “Americans with Disabilities ADA 35th Anniversary Day” in honor of the landmark law.
How can you support the disability community?
While, Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and accomplishments of the diverse disability community. It’s also an opportunity to spread awareness about how we can all be better allies and support this community in meaningful ways.
Unfortunately, there are still many barriers caused by misconceptions and harmful stereotypes. For those of us who live with disabilities, simply requesting accommodations to do everyday activities can sometimes feel like a struggle when, in reality, it should be just as routine as anyone else asking for what they need to enjoy life.
For example, take the misconception that people with disabilities need “special accommodations” to attend an event or the assumption that we’re “being difficult” when we request what we need. The truth is, asking for what we need to participate in life isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Just like anyone else, we want to participate fully, without barriers. So, let’s keep working together to create a more inclusive world where everyone’s needs are respected and accommodated.
You can support the disability community by learning how to interact with our community:
People with disabilities are just that, people. We are no different from anyone else. We all want respect, patience, honesty, and kindness. However, there things that you should know about interacting with someone with a disability.
- Don’t talk to us in a weird way.
- If we have trouble communicating verbally, we are aware. If you didn’t understand, let us know. Smiling and nodding isn’t cool.
- If you find out that someone is deaf, yelling and speaking very slowly probably isn’t going to help.
- Just because someone has a vision disability doesn’t mean they are blind.
- If we do use an AAC (Augmented Alternative Communication) device, cane, wheelchair, fidget item, or have a service animal, please don’t touch. These things are an extension of us.
- If you think that we need help, please ask us first. We might be just fine.
If you’re interested in learning more, the TDC has an updated Disability Etiquette Guide available in different formats for download.
You can support the disability community by making your events inclusive:
Whether you’re planning an event for Disability Pride Month, a voting event, or a back-to-school bash, you’re likely to have people with disabilities in attendance, after all, 7 out of 10 Tennesseans live with a disability remember. So, by keeping accessibility in mind, you’ll ensure that more people can attend and enjoy your event. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.
When planning your event, consider these key elements for accessibility:
- Space and mobility: Are there ramps or accessible entrances for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility? Can everyone easily navigate the space?
- Lighting: Is the lighting bright enough for people to read menus, signs, or find their way around easily? Clear visibility is crucial for those with low vision.
- Sound: Is there a microphone and speakers available for speakers? Always ensure speakers use a mic! We’ve all been in situations where we missed something important (or funny!) because we couldn’t hear. Imagine that happening to your guests for an entire event.
Thinking about these details can help make your event more inclusive and ensure everyone feels welcomed. At the Tennessee Disability Coalition, we ask our experts – the disability community – for help, ideas, and preferences when scheduling events. Asking folks what they need is the best, and only way, to learn and make your events as inclusive as you can. If you’re new to providing accommodations and don’t know where to start, thankfully the Mid-south has some great resources.
You can support the disability community by hiring people with disabilities:
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is double that of people without disabilities. In 2016, Tennessee ranked 44th in the country for disability unemployment. That’s a staggering statistic when you consider that people with disabilities want to work, can work, and have a wide range of skills that are not being fully utilized. We have talents, knowledge, and a strong work ethic, yet far too often, those abilities go untapped because of misconceptions or the lack of accessibility in hiring practices.
You can support the disability community by continuing to learn more about disability:
In order to create a more inclusive society, we need to reflect on where we’ve been to understand where we’re headed. Although the ADA was passed 35 years ago, we’re still fighting for inclusion and access, and sadly, continue to face threats to our civil rights. But the fight isn’t over. We have the power to shape the future and one of the most impactful ways to make lasting change is by educating our communities about disability and fostering a culture of inclusion in the next generation. The work isn’t finished, but by working together and investing in our future, we’ll get closer to the world we want to be.
