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Diversity & Equity Newsletter

July 2023

Diversity & EquityNewsletterJuly 2023

What is Disability Pride Month?

July was chosen as Disability Pride Month to align with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Understanding Disability Pride Month is nuanced, as the concept of Disability Pride means different things to different people. For some Disabled people, it means accepting yourself for who you are. For others, it means celebrating how far we as a community have come. For others still, Disability Pride means viewing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity and celebrating our disabilities that make each community member unique.


Having a strong sense of pride in your identity as a disabled person has been shown to grow self-esteem and make it easier to navigate and subvert the stigma surrounding being disabled. Engaging in a community of people who are also proud of their disabled identity helps each person to cope, as well as strengthens the community. A strong community makes it easier to push for better services, more accessibility, and take care of one another.


Disability Pride Month is officially recognized by a few states and cities, but not nationally (yet.) As the Disability Rights Movement continues, hopefully, we will see more official recognition for the month-long celebration.

The year 1993 brought a large parade and rally near Madison Square, in celebration of the ADA and the Disability Rights Movement. It was dubbed the "Disability Independence Parade." This photo features Justin Dart, the industrialist turned philanthropist who played a major role in the passage of the ADA. Front row, from left to right: unknown, Paul S. Miller, Judy Heumann, Phyllis Rubenfeld, unknown, and Justin Dart.
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What is Disability Independence Day?

On July 26, 1990, following years of demonstrations and protests from the Disabled Community, the Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection from employment discrimination as well as better access to goods, services, and communications for people with disabilities. It is often viewed as the civil rights bill for disabled people.


This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the ADA. Many disability organizations are holding events to celebrate the ADA, our accomplishments as a community, and look towards the future and what changes still need to be made for the disability community to have true equity and liberation in our society.

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What is the meaning of the Disability Pride Flag?

In October 2021, Ann Magill and other members of the disability community redesigned the Disability Pride Flag. The previous design had bright colors and a lightning bolt, which could cause seizures if you scrolled past it too quickly. The new flag uses muted colors and straight lines for more accessibility for people with light sensitivity or who may have seizures.


Each part of the flag has a meaning, intended to celebrate the history and diversity of the disability community. Those meanings are:

  • The Black Field: A color of mourning and rage; for those who are victims of Ableist violence, and also rebellion and protest
  • The Five Colors: The variety of needs and experiences of the Disability Community
  • The Red Stripe: Physical Disabilities
  • The Gold Stripe: Neurdivergence
  • The White Stripe: Invisible & Undiagnosed Disabilities
  • The Blue Stripe: Psychiatric Disabilities
  • The Green Stripe: Sensory Disabilities
  • The Parallel Stripes: Solidarity within the Disability Community and all its differences
  • The Diagonal Band: “Cutting across” barriers that separate disabled people; creativity and light cutting through the darkness

Ways to Celebrate Disability Pride

  • Attend an Event hosted by Disability Pride PA
  • Attend the Disability Unite Festival in NYC
  • Follow Disabled activists on social media
  • Watch films by and featuring Disabled people
  • Sign petitions that advance Disabled Rights
  • Learn about the history of Disability Rights
  • Learn about the language surrounding Disability (What do Disabled people prefer?)
  • Visit a museum with Disability-centered exhibits
  • Share the story of your own disability or help a loved one to share theirs (be sure to amplify Disabled voices!)

Book Recommendations - 10 Books Written by Disabled & Neurodivergent Authors!

Click on the link below to read an awesome article that contains book recommendations for all ages and reading format preferences.
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What do National Parks Have to do with Diversity?

The National Park Service has a long and rich history of conservation of American culture, heritage, and history. They are frequently at the forefront of civil rights, equity, and inclusion movements.


By following the links in this list, you will be able to see an example of the vast library of information on American Diversity that the National Park Service has to offer on its website.

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“Where Community Grows”

This year's theme for National Park and Recreation Month is “Where Community Grows.” Parks and recreational sites are places for EVERYONE to get together, play, grow, and have a good time. Parks are essential for the growth of communities as meeting places, event venues, and just a great place to spend time together.
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America the Beautiful Access Pass

The National Park Service offers a lifetime access pass known as the America the Beautiful Access Pass to any American citizen or permanent resident, aged 16+, with a permanent disability.


This pass can be used to:

  • access any National Park or Federal Recreational Land free of charge for the passholder and all passengers in the same vehicle at per-vehicle rate parks or up to 3 other people at parks where per-person entry is charged.
  • get discounted rates on amenities at certain parks (can include camping, boat ramps, guided tours, etc)


More information on the America the Beautiful Access Pass can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

Accessibility for Disabled National Park Explorers

The National Park System is constantly working to provide accessibility to all park-goers. While all National Parks may not be completely accessible, they have many amenities and add-ons that help all people to be able to enjoy the most of each park regardless of ability.


Accessibility features available at some parks can include:

  • Accessible parking
  • Ramps and elevators in visitor centers
  • Accessible guided tours
  • General information is given about events, scheduled items like alarm testing, and what to expect from your day at the park
  • ADA compliant signage
  • Listening devices
  • Alternate forms of information (videos, pamphlets, books, signs, verbal information, etc)
  • Sensory items available for visitors
  • Trail information regarding width, inclines, difficulty, etc
  • Accessible campsites and beaches
  • An assortment of mobility aides and wheelchairs (depending on the park)
Diversity Terminology & Language Glossary
Check out the Diversity Terminology & Language Glossary for current terms and language used to talk about diversity topics. This document will be frequently updated to keep on top of the ever-changing conversations about language usage.
Diversity & Equity Suggestion Box
Do you have a topic or issue for the Diversity & Equity Committee to discuss? Have you found a resource, tool, etc you think would be beneficial to our goals? Do you have any questions or suggestions? This form is anonymous.