Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July because that’s the same month the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. This landmark legislation broke down barriers to disability inclusion in society. While Adelante celebrates the lives of people with disabilities every month, this is an opportunity to raise awareness about various types of disabilities, and the many contributions and advances made by the disability community. Adelante will continue to move our community forward during Disability Pride Month and create dialogue around inclusion.
The Colors on the Disability Pride Flag
The colors of the Disability Pride Month flag each have a meaning:
- Red – physical disabilities
- Gold – neurodiversity
- White – invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed
- Blue – emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
These colors sit on a faded charcoal color that represents mourning and rage for victims of ableism, violence, abuse, negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness, and eugenics. All of these are an unfortunate part of the experiences people with disabilities may face. The diagonal lines of color cut through the gray to symbolize overcoming those barriers. The colorful bands also represent a light that cuts through the darkness.
2024 Disability Pride Month Theme
“We Want a Life Like Yours” is the theme for the 2024 Disability Pride month. It comes from The ARC’s National Council of Self-Advocates and is descriptive of the collective disability community mindset. People with disabilities want equal opportunities. Essentially the same things that everyone wants. A chance to work, travel, live as independently as possible, have friendships, and to have a say in their own care. A lot of progress has been made the last few decades in regard to disability inclusion. However, there is still a lot of work to do.
1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability is discriminated against.
The ARC
Challenges Remain for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities continue to face a variety of challenges today, despite the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These include everything from physical accessibility barriers to employment discrimination and social isolation. Here are a few areas to think about and the ways we can all help make a difference.
Accessibility Barriers
Many buildings and public spaces still lack proper ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair might struggle to enter a restaurant that only has stairs. Public transportation systems may not be fully accessible, either. This makes it difficult for people with disabilities to commute to work or access services. A person who is visually impaired might find it challenging to navigate a poorly designed transit system without proper audio announcements or tactile paving, for example.
To help, businesses can conduct accessibility audits. This can be as simple as asking people with a variety of disabilities how they experience the space. Buildings and be retrofitted with ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. Tax incentives such as the Disabled Access Credit and the Barrier Removal Tax Deduction are available to help cover the costs of making facilities accessible. Members of the public can advocate for accessible public transportation and ensure their company vehicles are equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. Grants are available from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). State-level programs can also support the enhancement of public transit accessibility. Adelante’s newest venture, Destination Accessibility, provides wheelchair and scooter rentals to make visiting central New Mexico easier for travelers with disabilities.
Employment Discrimination
People with disabilities often face bias during the hiring process. Employers might assume they are less capable, leading to fewer job opportunities. For instance, a qualified candidate with a hearing impairment might be overlooked for a customer service role due to misconceptions about their ability to communicate.
To help, businesses can implement inclusive hiring practices. Additionally, bias training for HR staff and managers should be part of an inclusive hiring plan. Then actively recruit candidates with disabilities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides incentives for hiring individuals from targeted groups, including those with disabilities. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers resources, and tax credits like the Disabled Access Credit can help offset the costs of accommodations. Adelante helps people with DD/ID to find jobs through EmployAbility, our supported employment program. Adelante is also an employment network for the Social Security Ticket to Work program. If you have a disability and would like to work, these services may be of help to you.
Educational Barriers
Schools and universities may not provide adequate support for students with disabilities. This can include a lack of special education services, insufficient training for teachers, or inaccessible facilities. For example, a student with dyslexia might not receive the necessary accommodations, like extended test time or access to assistive technology, to succeed academically.
To make improvements, support schools in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and provide training for educators on inclusive practices. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides federal funding to schools for special education services.
Healthcare Access
Healthcare providers might not have accessible equipment or be trained to accommodate patients with disabilities. For instance, a person who uses a wheelchair might have difficulty finding a clinic with an accessible examination table. People face communication barriers in the healthcare environment, too. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may struggle to communicate with healthcare providers if there are no sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices available.
Equipping healthcare facilities with accessible medical equipment would be a good first step. In addition, training in medical school and for all healthcare staff on disability access would make great strides in helping this issue. Grants from organizations like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can help fund accessible equipment and training programs.
Social Isolation
People with disabilities may face social isolation due to a lack of accessible community activities or supportive social networks. A person with a cognitive disability might find it challenging to participate in community events that are not designed to be inclusive. Furthermore, negative attitudes and stereotypes can lead to social exclusion and even discrimination.
First, every person could actively invite people with disabilities to socialize. Further, our organizations and communities can create and promote inclusive activities and support networks for people with disabilities. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural organizations can support inclusive community programs.
Technology Barriers
Websites, apps, and digital content are not always designed to be accessible. This reality can limit the ability of people with disabilities to use technology effectively. For instance, a person with a visual impairment might struggle to navigate a website that is not compatible with screen readers. Assistive technology is another area where people can face barriers. For example, affording assistive technologies that can enhance independence and quality of life. A person with mobility impairments might find it difficult to obtain a wheelchair that meets their needs due to cost or insurance limitations.
Adelante supports access to assistive devices through our Back in Use program. People can request wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters and get them free of charge. Adelante DiverseIT provides access to computers for people with disabilities, too. If you have a disability, live in New Mexico, and would like a device, you can request one at diverseit.org. Your business can ensure your websites, apps, and digital content meet accessibility standards by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
These challenges demonstrate that while the ADA has made significant strides in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, there is still much work to be done to ensure full accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities. The good news is that each of us can play a part in creating a more disability inclusive society.
New Mexico Shows Disability Pride
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9:00 AM–10:15 AM, Santa Fe Plaza
Get Tickets for the Santa Fe Disability Pride Parade
The Santa Fe Inaugural Disability Pride Parade, the state’s first annual event of its kind! The event promotes awareness, champions rights, and honors the contributions of individuals with disabilities. The celebration will end with a flag-raising ceremony at Santa Fe City Hall. City officials will also read a proclamation of the City’s commitment to inclusivity and the rights of people with disabilities.
