Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusion and Accessibility

Each July, Disability Pride Month offers us an opportunity to honor the history, achievement, struggle, and diversity of the disability community. Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) understands and values the strength of embracing inclusion and access, as values and as everyday practices that strengthen our whole community.

Disability Pride Month first started in July 1990 to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a historic legislation that truly altered the lives of millions by ensuring rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

This month is a celebration of identity, strength, and the special talents that individuals with disabilities bring to our world. It encourages everyone to challenge stigma, tear down barriers, and uplift voices that have been silenced for too long.

The Power of Inclusion

Inclusion is much more than seeing and accepting differences; it’s creating spaces in which everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. Through presenting inclusive attitudes and accessible environments, we affirm that people with disabilities are completely welcome; at CCMH and throughout Columbia County.

Physical and electronic accessibility are central to inclusion. This could be providing accessible wheelchair ramps, sign language interpreters, sensory spaces, assistive technology, or simply adopting open, non-judgmental attitudes.

Pride is not just about visibility; it's about the confidence that disability is a natural aspect of human diversity.

Telling our stories, learning from each other, and embracing the experiences of people with disabilities makes all of us better. The stories of community members illustrate the strength of support, self-acceptance, and overcoming fear to live rich lives.

Resources for Disability Pride Month

Having and being disability pride means accessing quality information, creating support communities, and leading change. Some helpful resources to explore include:

- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network: Offers toolkits and recommendations regarding rights and accessibility.

- Disability Power & Pride: A Facebook group offering online events and learning materials.

- The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL): Offers advocacy resources, community opportunities, and recommendations on independent living.

How to Get Involved

- Attend local events, panels, or online webinars marking disability pride and awareness.

- Amplify the voice of people with disabilities on social media or in your network.

- Reflect upon your own environments, in your home, workplace, or school, and think about solutions to making environments more accessible.

- Take a few moments to learn about disability history and the ongoing struggle for this community's rights.

- Work in allyship by resisting assumptions, interrupting ableist language, and making efforts to effect systemic change.

As a community-focused behavioral health organization for Columbia County since 1975, CCMH fosters safe, nurturing environments for recovery and healing for everyone in our community, including individuals with disabilities. We are committed to compassion and collaboration, partnering with individuals to respect their strengths and assist them in their goals. Our staff is here for you, step by step throughout your unique journey.

During this Disability Pride Month, join us in the fight for inclusion and accessibility. Together, we can create a world that honors the dignity of all people; every single day of the year. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact CCMH. Your voice matters, and you are always welcome here.