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By Jill Hinton, PhD
This month we celebrate the 34th anniversary of one of our most significant civil rights laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 and is a strong measure of protection for basic rights for disabled people. This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in community life including transportation, tele communication, schools, jobs, and many places that are open to the public. The goal is to guarantee equal access and ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as anyone else.
July is also recognized as Disability Pride month which was started to celebrate the passage of ADA. Legislative action is a critical step of moving toward a community where everyone belongs; but is only one step in the journey. Truly embracing equal access, inclusion, and belonging happens on a daily basis in our communities. Disability Pride Month is a time when we can all focus on what it means for people with disabilities to live proudly in their communities.
“Disability pride is defined as accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness, and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability pride is an integral part of an inclusive crusade and, furthermore, a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability.”
NCSS supports and celebrates the ADA and Disability Pride Month. Further, we commit to continuing the work of embracing our shared humanity and ensuring true belonging in our communities.
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