Observing Disability Pride Month 

More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States—over 70 million people—have a disability. July is Disability Pride Month, recognized in honor of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. It’s a time to celebrate individuals with disabilities and amplify their voices. Rather than dismissing their challenges, we honor their resilience, the strength they show in overcoming adversity, and recognize their lives and experiences with the same respect and value as those of non-disabled people. 

The theme for Disability Pride Month 2025 is “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.” This message affirms that people with disabilities lead valuable lives and are not defined by their disabilities; they are a vital part of the community, just as they are.  

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that Congress passed to protect individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.  It established legal mandates that prohibit discrimination based on disability and ensures equal access to employment, public spaces, transportation, government services, and more. Before the ADA, there were few legal requirements and limited consequences to prevent discrimination or guarantee access to accommodations—especially outside of federally funded programs. The ADA created the first comprehensive, enforceable civil rights protections for people with disabilities.  

The passing of the ADA was groundbreaking for Americans with disabilities, protecting their rights and promoting equality. 

Several amendments have been made to the original act, most notably the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, which clarified who is protected under the law and broadened the definition of “disability” to prevent exclusions, particularly in the workplace. 

 What is a disability?  

A disability, under the ADA, is a condition—physical or mental—that significantly affects a major part of a person’s daily life. It also protects people who have a history of such a condition or whom others treat as if they have a disability, even if they don’t.

So, even if someone doesn’t have a current diagnosis, they may still be covered under the ADA if: 

• They once had a condition that limited their daily life, or 

• They are being unfairly judged or treated as if they have a disability. 

It is important to note that this is a different definition than the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) definition, which applies to disability in the context of an individual’s ability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). 

While many people associate disability primarily with physical impairments, Disability Pride Month emphasizes the importance of recognizing all disabilities, including those that may be “invisible,” such as mental health conditions or chronic illnesses. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) consider individuals with disabilities to be “the world’s largest minority” with about 15% of the world’s population having a disability.  

There are many types of disabilities, which experts typically categorize into five areas: 

• Sensory disabilities like blindless and deafness 

• Emotional and psychiatric disabilities or mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia disorder 

• Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities like Lyme disease and/or disabilities that have not been diagnosed yet 

• Cognitive and intellectual disabilities like dyslexia or learning disabilities  

• Physical disabilities like cerebral palsy or spinal bifida 

How to Observe Disability Pride Month 

First and foremost, do not dismiss the challenges and experiences that individuals with disabilities have faced. The disability community has historically encountered both physical and societal barriers, and many people with disabilities continue to face obstacles in their daily lives. While the word “pride” may seem confusing to some, its purpose is to celebrate the identities within the community and to recognize that, despite these roadblocks, they have persisted. It’s about uplifting voices that are too often unheard.  

A disability or condition is not something to be met with shame—it is something to be acknowledged and respected. And while society has made progress, we still have work to do to achieve true equality.

What is Ableism? 

Ableism is discrimination against disabled people or in favor of able-bodied people based on the belief that people without disabilities are superior.  

What does ableism look like? 

The world was made with able-bodied people in mind, often there are everyday essential tasks or activities that are not made with disabled people in mind. This can look like: 

• Lack of compliance with the disability rights outlined in the ADA 

• Failure to incorporate accessibility into building designs, such as the absence of ramps for wheelchair users 

• Not providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace 

• Exclusion of individuals with disabilities, such as in school settings 

• Inaccessible websites that lack features like alternative text 

• Questioning someone’s disability like asking “How disabled are you?” 

• Joking or mocking people with disabilities   

How to revert ableism 

• Listen to and believe people when they disclose that they have a disability 

• Don’t assume you know someone’s needs or strengths just because they have a disability 

• Only speak on behalf of someone with a disability if they’ve specifically asked you to 

• Include people with disabilities when making decisions

Disability Pride Month Events 

Check websites like The Arc for opportunities to attend a Disability Pride Month event in your area. 

Advocating for Inclusion and Equal Rights 

You can take action in many ways to support the ongoing fight for justice for the disability community. 

• Email your local representatives about benefits like Social Security and Medicaid that are at risk, and stress that these are non-negotiable 

• Learn about ableism, what it looks and sounds like, and how to actively fight against it 

• Stay committed to being informed about disability rights, correct language, and how you can teach the next generation about people with disabilities   

• Talk with people with disabilities, find out what’s important to them, and follow through 

Being active in the fight against ableism and supporting the disability community is imperative to the broader movement behind Disability Pride Month. Together, we can make a difference. 

Fierce Advocacy  

At Nyman Turkish, we take pride in advocating for and representing individuals with disabilities every day. In our daily work, we treat clients with care and compassion, fighting for the benefits they deserve. 

Additionally, our history of taking on cases that affect systemic change in America—such as filing a lawsuit against the Wayne County Airport Authority on behalf of clients Michigan Flyer and Indian Trails for proper airport transportation accommodations, or changing the rules of the LSAT in a landmark settlement agreement between Nyman Turkish PC and LSAC on behalf of clients Angelo Binno and Shelesha Taylor—demonstrates our proven commitment to fighting for the rights of disabled individuals. 

If you need help with a claim, visit our website or contact us at 877-529-4773 for a FREE case review.