July is Disability Pride Month. Here’s how you can learn more about accessibility awareness

This July marks 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, federal legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in everyday activities. 

Since the ADA’s passing, the disability rights community has been celebrating the legislation annually. In 2015, the month was officially designated as Disability Pride Month in municipal declarations nationwide.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed July as Disability Pride Month in a 2022 designation.

One of the organizations in West Michigan commemorating Disability Pride Month is the Disability Network Lakeshore, a nonprofit based in Holland since 1992 that connects people with disabilities to resources and opportunities where they can “participate, contribute and belong.”

Residents of Ottawa and Allegan counties are able to access information and referrals through DNL, in addition to independent living skills training, peer support, individual and systems advocacy, and community transition services geared toward youth and those moving from institutional settings into the community.

DNL also offers benefits counseling and provides concierge services that aim to help businesses, schools and organizations become more inclusive, accessible and ADA compliant. 

Michelle Rottschafer, integrated communications and database manager for DNL, said the nonprofit looks forward to Disability Pride Month because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the strength, contributions and leadership of people with disabilities.

“Disability Pride Month is also an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, confront ableist attitudes and promote the idea that people with disabilities deserve full inclusion, equal access and the opportunity to participate in every aspect of community life.”
— Michelle Rottschafer, DNL integrated communications and database manager 

Locally, people with disabilities may face challenges accessing food assistance programs, Social Security benefits and other financial resources. According to the DNL, there can be significant barriers to finding and maintaining accessible employment, housing, transportation and healthcare.

“Many of these challenges intersect, making it even more difficult for individuals to live independently and fully participate in their communities,” said Rottschafer.

Rottschafer added that Disability Pride Month is an important time to educate the community about the Disability Civil Rights Movement, which began in the 1960s.

The movement led to the passing of Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act — legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. 

The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was also achieved as a result of the disability community’s advocacy efforts. 

Rottschafer said that in addition to recognizing progress made by the Disability Civil Rights Movement, it’s important to reflect on the work that lies ahead to secure and strengthen accessibility protections.

She noted that approximately one in four individuals lives with a disability and that anyone can become disabled at any point in their life through injury, illness or aging. Likewise, approximately 80% of disabilities are non-apparent or “hidden.” 

“Disability Pride Month is a chance to remind our communities that disability is a normal part of the human experience,” Rottschafer said. “(The month) encourages us to move beyond assumptions, challenge stereotypes and build communities where everyone feels welcomed, respected and included.”

This year, DNL is commemorating the ADA’s anniversary by educating the community about proposed legislation that would strengthen Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship. 

The nonprofit is inviting community members to complete postcards that will be shared with state legislators describing in their own words how Supported Decision-Making has made a difference in their lives.

In addition, several of DNL’s partner organizations will be hosting events to commemorate Disability Pride Month and the passage of the ADA. 

The Disability Network of West Michigan, located in Muskegon, is hosting an ADA Celebration Tuesday, July 21, at the United Way of the Lakeshore on 31 E. Clay Ave. 

The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. event is a collaboration between the network and ACLU Michigan, Arc of the Lakeshore and MOKA. 

Disability Advocates of Kent County will also host a celebration with entertainment, family fun and educational activities at their office on 160 68th St. SW in Grand Rapids. The event will take place Wednesday, July 22 at 4 p.m. 

For those looking to learn more about accessibility awareness and progress made by activists within the Disability Civil Rights Movement, Rottschafer highlighted two media recommendations. 

“Two resources we encourage our team to explore as part of their onboarding are ‘Being Heumann’ by Judy Heumann and ‘Crip Camp,’ the award-winning Netflix documentary,” said Rottschafer.

"Being Heumann" is a memoir that tells the life story of Heumann, often referred to as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” The book was published in 2020 shortly before Heumann’s passing in 2023. 

"Crip Camp" is a documentary about a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities in the 1970s that inspired a generation of activists. The documentary details historic policy changes resulting from their work, and is available for streaming on Netflix. 

“These resources not only provide important historical context, but also highlight the power of advocacy, community and the ongoing work to create a more inclusive society,” Rottschafer said.

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.