July is Disability Pride Month. This annual observance promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of people with disabilities and their history as a community.
Although disability pride may mean different things to different people, Disability Pride Month focuses positive attention on the community, raises awareness of the disability experience, and amplifies the need for inclusion.
2025 Theme: “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay”
The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates selected the 2025 Disability Pride Month theme: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay. It delivers the powerful message that people with disabilities are a vital part of every community.
Disability Pride Month History
Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that celebrates people with disabilities, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and promotes disability culture and visibility.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 26, 1990, to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Following this legislation, the first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990, and the first U.S.-based Disability Pride Parade was held in Chicago in 2004.
Disability Pride Month is not federally recognized, but many states, cities, and organizations across the country celebrate it by raising awareness of people living with disabilities.
Disability Pride Month Flag
The disability pride flag was created by Ann Magill, a disabled woman from Virginia, with input from across the community to ensure inclusive representation.
The black background honors those lost to ableism—including due to illness, negligence, suicide, and eugenics. The horizontal stripes represent the broad spectrum of disabilities and impairments.
What Does Disability Pride Mean to You?
Disability is a part of human diversity. Here are suggestions on recognizing Disability Pride Month from The Arc.
