July is Disability Pride Month
July 10, 2024
Disability Pride. We Want a Life Like Yours
What is Disability Pride?
Disability Pride is the idea that people with disabilities should be proud of their disabled identity. This pride is crucial as people with disabilities represent the largest and most diverse minority, encompassing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
July, celebrated as Disability Pride Month, is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. This month was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation passed on July 26, 1990, that broke down significant barriers to inclusion in society.
The History of Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July, marking the anniversary of the ADA. The first Disability Pride Day took place in Boston in 1990, the same year the ADA was signed into law. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Since then, events nationwide have empowered people with disabilities to embrace and celebrate their identities.
Despite progress, discrimination remains prevalent for the one in four U.S. adults living with a disability. Disability Pride Month emphasizes inspiring stories and advocates for full inclusion and self-determination for people with disabilities.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let’s remember the significance of the ADA and continue to strive for a world where everyone can live full, self-determined lives, free from discrimination.
Join Goodwill at the Tri-City Celebrations!
Disability Pride Day - Kearney
Hosted by the Arc of Buffalo County
Date: July 12, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Harmon Park, 3100 5th Ave, Kearney
Join us for an afternoon filled with fun activities at the Disability Pride Day event!
Dozens of Vendors to browse inside and outside, games, grass volleyball, foam cannon, tinsel/feather hair applications, KPD Cruiser and EMT Ambulance on site, face painting, dance party, interactive art project and more!
Music from featured artists:
4 pm: Paul Hanich
5 pm: Kyle Sayler Band
Disability Pride Celebration - Grand Island
Hosted by the Arc of Central Nebraska 
Date: Saturday July 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 1710 North North Road, Grand Island
This event features a talent show, educational booths, food trucks, and a special performance by the Hula Hoops Girls. Indulge in free hotdogs and treats from the Special Scoops Ice Cream truck. Goodwill is proud to sponsor the Arc of Central Nebraska's Disability Pride Celebration.
Strollin' For Disabilities - Hastings
Hosted by Mary Lanning Memorial Healthcare - Pediatric Rehabilitation
Date: Wednesday July 31, 2024
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Location: Chautauqua Park, W 5th St, Hastings
The event is to bring awareness to the different types of disability and to celebrate Disability Pride. The Hastings Developmental Disability Services and Employment and Career Services. departments are joining forces to host a booth. Stop by to get some Goodwill Swag and learn how we help individuals with disabilities.
Sources:
Disability Pride Toolkit and Resource Guide https://ncil.org/resources/disability-pride-toolkit-and-resource-guide/
The Arc of the United States https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/
For more information, contact Audrey DeFrank at 308-384-7896 or adefrank@goodwillne.org