On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. That’s why we celebrate the achievements, experiences, challenges and history of those in the disability community in July.
But why do we celebrate? In this article, "Reflections on Disability Pride Month from Disabled Students Across the Country, opens a new window", disabled students tell us why it’s important to them. Reasons include increasing the visibility of disabled people, celebrating accomplishments, and growing awareness around what challenges still exist. The Arc, a national advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offers these suggestions for celebrating Disability Pride Month, opens a new window:
- Learn about the disability experience by learning the history of disability rights in America.
- Watch and read media created by and with people with disabilities.
- Teach kids how to acknowledge people with disabilities (tips for talking to kids about people with disabilities from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital).
- Meet people with disabilities and talk to them.
Disabled or differently-abled? Which is correct? Your best option is to ask each person what they prefer, but that’s not usually possible. The same goes to “person-first language,” which has been encouraged in the past. However, this style guide from the National Center for on Disability and Journalism says that “differently-abled” is no longer used or preferred.
Check out these picture books to help you start a conversation:
Here are some great books that show the disabled experience in a kid-friendly way.
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