July is Disability Pride Month! In honor of the American Disabilities Act being signed in July 1990, the entire month of July is about celebrating members of the disability community. According to the American Disability Community, disability pride is celebrating diversity and continuing to be visible advocates. If you care for someone with a developmental disability, this month is an opportunity to show pride for your care recipient and celebrate differences. Visit USA Today for a more in depth explanation of disability pride and why it matters. Here are a few ideas on how to participate in Disability Pride Month before it ends.
Educate Yourself
To be a better ally, it is important to read up on disability rights and policies. Attached below are a few websites to help you get started.
Listen to Others’ Stories
The New York Public Library has compiled a list of books about disability pride. These books can provide insight into the journey of others. It can provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals living with disabilities and bravely sharing their stories. These books are widely accessible on audiobooks and more. Here are a few examples of the exceptional books on the list:
Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the 21st Century (edited by Alice Wong)
Sitting Pretty: My View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body (by Rebekah Taussig)
The Pretty One (by Keah Brown)
The Silence Between Us (by Alison Gervais)
Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law (by Haben Grima)
Ask for Help
There are an abundance of organizations willing to support you, your care recipient, and the rest of your family. Visit Idaho Parents Unlimited for more information on how you can support your child with a developmental disability.