Celebrating Disability Pride Month in July

In July, communities nationwide come together to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Organizations and businesses join forces not only to celebrate differences but also to embrace them. The significance of Disability Pride Month dates back to 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26. However, the first official celebration of Disability Pride Month did not occur until 25 years later, in July 2015.

At Boundless we want to help amplify the important message that all individuals with disabilities matter and have an important voice to share. We will be flying the Disability Pride flag and encouraging others to join us. But what is it? Why is it important? And who does it represent?

The Disability Pride Flag

The Disability Pride flag serves as a perpetual symbol of solidarity, acceptance and empowerment for people with disabilities. The original flag, crafted in 2019, was designed by author Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy. Magill revised her design in 2021, after receiving input from those with disabilities, to make it accessible for individuals with visually triggered disabilities and colorblindness.

The amended flag features diagonal stripes illustrating the breaking down of barriers encountered by people with disabilities, evoking the imagery of light piercing through the darkness. According to Magill, the diagonal orientation serves as a contrast to the vertical walls and horizontal ceilings that keep disabled people isolated. Additionally, the parallelism represents solidarity amongst the community. Not only does the design display powerful imagery, but the flag features an array of colors, each carrying its significance:

• Green: sensory disabilities
• Blue: emotional and psychiatric disabilities
• White: non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Gold: neurodiversity
• Red: physical disabilities
• Charcoal background honors and mourns disabled individuals who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness and eugenics.

The Disability Pride flag is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of hope, resilience and the ongoing fight for inclusion. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, wave your flags high to express your solidarity, not only in July but every day. Because when we embrace diversity and inclusion, we all shine a little brighter.