Jul 25, 2023 | Awareness, Disability
Introduction
July marks a special occasion as we come together to celebrate Disability Pride Month. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness, honor the achievements of individuals with disabilities, and foster a society that embraces diversity and inclusion. It is a time for acknowledging the unique strengths and capabilities of people with disabilities, as well as the challenges they face in their daily lives. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month, the history behind it, and the vital role it plays in creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
Understanding Disability Pride
Disability Pride is not merely about celebrating one’s disability; it’s a movement that advocates for acceptance, respect, and equal rights for people with disabilities. It encourages a shift in perspective from a focus on limitations to recognizing the vast potential and talents of disabled individuals. Just as we celebrate achievements and milestones in our lives, Disability Pride Month encourages us to recognize and appreciate the unique accomplishments and contributions of people with disabilities to our communities.
History and Evolution
The roots of Disability Pride Month can be traced back to the disability rights movement in the United States during the late 20th century. Disabled activists, inspired by other civil rights movements, began organizing protests and advocating for greater accessibility, non-discrimination, and social inclusion.
One pivotal moment in this movement was the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This groundbreaking legislation prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandated accessibility measures across various sectors, such as employment, public services, and transportation. As a result, July has become an important month for recognizing disability rights and celebrating progress while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.
Challenging Stigma and Stereotypes
Disability Pride Month provides a platform to challenge the stigma and stereotypes that have long surrounded people with disabilities. It’s crucial to understand that disability does not define a person’s worth or potential. By promoting Disability Pride, we can foster an environment that encourages dialogue and understanding, breaking down barriers between people of all abilities.
Promoting Inclusivity in Society
An inclusive society is one that celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources. Disability Pride Month reminds us of the importance of building a world that embraces and accommodates the needs of all individuals, regardless of their physical, sensory, intellectual, or developmental differences.
This inclusivity extends to education, the workplace, public spaces, and digital environments. It involves not just physical accessibility, but also the cultivation of attitudes and mindsets that respect and value the contributions of people with disabilities.
Amplifying Voices and Empowering Advocacy
Disability Pride Month is also an opportunity to amplify the voices of disabled individuals and their allies. It serves as a reminder that advocacy and activism are essential for effecting positive change. When we actively listen to the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities, we can identify and address the barriers that hinder their full participation in society.
Take Action: How to Support Disability Pride Month
1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the challenges and experiences faced by people with disabilities. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow disability activists on social media to gain a broader understanding.
2. Raise Awareness: Share information about Disability Pride Month and the disability rights movement with friends, family, and colleagues. Use social media to spread positive messages about disability pride and empowerment.
3. Advocate for Inclusion: Encourage your workplace, schools, and community organizations to prioritize accessibility and inclusion. Advocate for policies that promote equal opportunities for disabled individuals.
4. Support Disability Organizations: Donate or volunteer with organizations that work towards disability rights and inclusion.
Conclusion
Disability Pride Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and action. It reminds us that disability is not a limitation but a facet of human diversity that enriches our communities. By embracing disability pride, we foster a culture of acceptance, compassion, and empowerment. Let us stand together as allies, ensuring that people with disabilities can live their lives with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities. Together, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant world for all. Happy Disability Pride Month!
Feb 18, 2021 | Awareness, Disability
- Boost Your Self-Esteem
- Children’s Dental Health
- Heart and Stroke
- February 2 – Rheumatoid Arthritis
- February 4- World Cancer Day
- February 6 – International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
- February 11 – World Day of the Sick
- February 12 – Sexual and Reproductive Health
- February 12 – Breast Implant Illness
- February 14 – Congenital HeartDefect – (Canada)
- February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day
- February 20 – World Day of Social Justice (Recognized by the UN) (International)
- February 22 – National Heart Valve Disease (U.S.)
- February 28 (29th in a leap year) – Rare Disease Day
Free Disability Awareness Calendar. Click the Calendar! Scroll down!
Jul 19, 2020 | Disability, loneliness
Over half of disabled people report feeling lonely. I am one of them. I left the work world in 2012 on disability. My condition continues to deteriorate and keeps me away from social interactions (pre-COVID 19), and family gatherings. Since COVID 19, things are worse. Totally quarantined due to a lowered immune system, my outings consist of only those pertaining to medical visits which are necessary and can’t be done via telehealth.
What friends I had have disappeared from my life. My current life revolves around the family members inside of my home. I miss out on anything fun or stimulating and if I could I probably wouldn’t enjoy myself for long. My stamina is low, and my pain levels are high. I know I am not alone. I would like to find a way to communicate with others with the same problems, but the online forums seem lonely as well as typing on a screen to a faceless “other person” seems fruitless. I don’t think I’d like it as much as I feel I would some days, and fear I’d start and never go back. The connections are too meaningless and most people only want to complain. I do enough of that myself.
Lost friendships are a painful reminder of what my illness has cost. It hurts to feel lonely. Creating a blog that no one cares to read-only makes me feel lonelier. I know there are ways to combat loneliness. I can increase family ties or find new friends. I deserve to remain connected to those I love. By reaching out, thinking ahead, and recognizing my needs, perhaps I can find happiness and a greater sense of social connection again.
May 13, 2020 | Awareness, Disability, Mental Illness
May is a huge awareness month. I’ve written about arthritis, an important topic for me, but there are also many other important illnesses we should also be talking about.
ALS
is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is 100% fatal. You can help change the facts.
(From alsa.org) ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. “A” means no. “Myo” refers to muscle, and “Trophic” means nourishment – “No muscle nourishment.” When a muscle has no nourishment, it “atrophies” or wastes away. “Lateral” identifies the areas in a person’s spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates, it leads to scarring or hardening (“sclerosis”) in the region.
To read all about ALS, please see http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html
You may donate to the ALS Association,1275 K Street, NW Suite 250; Washington, DC 20005 – see ALSA.org
Borderline Personality Disorder
In May of 2007, the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) organized hearings before congress to educate legislators about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A year later, in April 2008 the U.S. House of Representatives declared May as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. *1 –https://evolvetreatment.com/blog/may-is-borderline-personality-disorder-awareness-month/
Five Quick BPD Facts
- Over 14 million Americans suffer from BPD.
- More people have BPD than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder combined.
- People with BPD commit suicide at 400 times the rate of the general population
- BPD is more common in women than in men.
- BPD is the 3rd leading cause of death for young adult women between 15-24.
5.9% of the adult population has BPD, they commit suicide at an alarming rate, and women are especially vulnerable to the disorder. That’s why we have Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. To raise awareness and awareness, end the stigma around the condition, and encourage people to get the help they need.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) BPD is:
“A mental illness marked by a pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days.”
Mental Health –
a great website for this is https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month. This website is chock full of great information! As a member of a family who knows the importance of observing mental health month, I urge you to learn as much as you can. Another partner, NIMH, has offered up some additional informative websites
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