July is an important month in the history of disability rights ever since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26,1990. This landmark civil rights legislation prohibited discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services and in July of that same year, the first Disability Pride Day was celebrated in Boston.
July marks Disability Pride Month with parades and celebrations throughout the nation to commemorate the anniversary of the law. Disability Pride Month is an important time to honor the diversity and uniqueness of each person in the disability community and celebrate people who have disabilities.
Resources for Individuals with Disabilities
- Disability Pride Toolkit and Resource Guide (National Council on Independent Living)
- Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability (U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission)
Resources for General Audiences
- Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA National Network)
- ADA Anniversary Information (ADA National Network)
- Disability History Museum (Disability History Museum)