How Disability Pride Month Started

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Disability Pride Month was created by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990, when he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities. Not only did it prevent people from taking advantage of those with afflictions, but it also allowed disabled people to accept their differences and realize that it did not make them lesser human beings.

Although this celebration might be less nationally recognized, it is still so special and crucial for us to remember and celebrate. The first Disability Pride Day/Parade was held the year the Act was signed, 1990, in Boston, Massachusetts. Now parades are held in several cities nationwide, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.

A lot of us can relate that sometimes loving your flaws can be a challenge. When you live in a society that might discriminate against you for being different, it can be even harder. Therefore, it’s important that we all use this month to celebrate our differences and make everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and respected. Striving for a more wholesome society should be one of our top priorities, and spreading the word about inclusivity and diversity is our first step.