Disability Pride Month is celebrated every year in July. It’s a time to honor the identity, culture and resilience of the disability community. The month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law in July 1990, marking a major milestone in the fight for equal rights and inclusion.
But Disability Pride is about more than commemorating a law. It’s about shifting the narrative: disability isn’t something to hide, fix or pity – it’s a natural and valuable part of human diversity. This year’s theme is, “The World Works Better With Us,” and the month invites all of us to celebrate disabled people’s contributions, creativity and leadership, while continuing the work toward a more inclusive and accessible world.
At Lanterman Regional Center, we’re proud to stand alongside the individuals and families we serve in recognizing this month. Whether through self-advocacy, community events or everyday acts of inclusion, Disability Pride reminds us that access and belonging benefit everyone. This month we’ll highlight some of the individuals served by Lanterman and some of the programs that support them to honor this year’s Disability Pride theme.
Also, on Wednesday, July 29 at 6 p.m., you can join the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), the Self Advocacy Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (SSAN) for Proud to be Me, in a virtual conversation where a panel of self-advocates will share why they celebrate Disability Pride. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from the California community.
Here’s how to join:
- Meeting link and access information: tinyurl.com/32umt5a4
- Phone: 1.855.703.8985 (Meeting ID: 834 5179 3133 | Passcode: 716462)
However you celebrate this July, we hope you’ll join us in honoring the strength, joy and pride of the disability community.