Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Published on July 15, 2026

From the Equity and Inclusion Commission:

July is Disability Pride Month, a month that both recognizes the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, and celebrates the disability community. ADA was a monumental step forward; however, Disability Pride Month is about more than a single law. It’s an opportunity. We can use this time to uplift the disability community, reflect on how far we have come, acknowledge the work that remains, and celebrate the contributions, diversity, and resilience of people with disabilities.

Disability is unique among minority groups because it can affect anyone, at any point in life. People may be born with disabilities or acquire them through illness, injury, or aging. Disability crosses every boundary of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status. Today, approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability, making the disability community the nation's largest minority group (CDC, 2023).

Yet disability is often misunderstood. When many people think of disability, they picture a wheelchair, a prosthetic limb, or the familiar handicap accessibility symbol. While those are important representations, they tell only part of the story. Many disabilities are not immediately visible. Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, migraine disorders, depression, lupus, diabetes, and bipolar disorder can affect daily life just as significantly as physical disabilities.

Disabilities are not one-size-fits-all. Every person's experience is different, and no diagnosis defines an individual's potential. What defines people are their character, talents, relationships, goals, and contributions. The disability community is made up of capable, hardworking individuals who strengthen our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and families every day.

This year, The Arc selected the theme of "The World Works Better With Us," which challenges outdated assumptions and low expectations and sends a clear message of inclusion. It recognizes that people with disabilities contribute valuable perspectives, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. Disabilities may create challenges, but they also foster adaptability, resilience, and new ways of thinking about the world. For more information about the theme and Disability Pride Month, please visit The Arc's website (https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/)

While the history of disability rights includes exclusion, discrimination, and institutionalization, the future is being written through inclusion and opportunity. Here in St. Charles, we can celebrate the ways our community continues to grow and support individuals and families living with disabilities. We can recognize efforts to create more inclusive schools, workplaces, and public spaces where people are valued for who they are and supported in reaching their potential.

This Disability Pride Month, take a moment to celebrate the people behind the labels and diagnoses. Remember that not all disabilities are visible, that every person has unique strengths, and that disability does not diminish a person's value or potential. Most importantly, celebrate a community that continues to contribute in countless ways, because truly, the world works better with us.