July is my favorite month. If you happen to have an interest in horoscopes, then you won’t be surprised to learn that I’m a Leo. But beyond that fun fact, what I love most about July is celebrating Disability Pride Month. It’s a time to reflect on the rich, complex history of the disability community. It’s a time to honor the multitude of diverse disability experiences. And it’s a time to embrace disability as an identity without shame.
Although this July will mark 34 years since the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), being proud to be disabled is still rather radical in a world that has a long way to go when it comes to accepting disability as part of the beautiful fabric of our society. I often say this is because it’s possible to create a policy, but it’s not possible to legislate attitudes. So, even though we’ve come so far under the ADA, there is yet more to be done.
This issue of Able News is dedicated to recognizing the progress we’ve made and the advocates whose tireless pursuit of access, equity, and justice helped lead us here. As with every issue I’ve had the privilege of editing so far, it’s been a joy to support our writers in publishing stories that shine a spotlight on the true power of the disability community.
I hope that you are celebrating yourselves this month and every month—and know that I am celebrating us, too.