What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month is observed every July to recognize the achievements, leadership, and contributions of people with disabilities, commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and reaffirm our commitment to equal rights, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride Month was first officially recognized in July 2015 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this landmark civil rights law. (learn more)
What is the 2026 Theme?
The 2026 Disability Pride Month theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” was selected by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA), a disabled-led national council. (learn more)
This is more than a theme. Innovations like curb cuts, closed captioning, audiobooks, and voice-to-text were designed to improve accessibility but now make life easier for millions of people. When we design for inclusion, everyone benefits.
What Does Disability Pride Mean?
Disability Pride means something different to everyone, but at its heart, it’s about belonging. While people with disabilities continue to face barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and community life, Disability Pride reminds us that everyone deserves to participate fully and have their voices heard. When people with disabilities have a seat at the table, we build a stronger, more inclusive world that benefits everyone.
Why is Disability Pride Month Important?
Disability touches nearly every family. Most people will experience disability at some point in their lives, either personally or through someone they love. Today, more than 1 in 4 Americans, over 70 million people, have a disability.
Disability Pride Month recognizes the achievements, leadership, and contributions of people with disabilities while acknowledging that barriers to full inclusion still exist. It reminds us that everyone deserves equal opportunities, meaningful supports, and the chance to live, learn, work, and thrive. Together, we can build communities where every person is valued, included, and empowered.
How Can I Celebrate Disability Pride Month?
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Attend an event, learn something new, wear Disability Pride colors, share your story, support disability organizations, or simply help create a more welcoming and inclusive community. Every action helps build awareness, foster inclusion, and create communities where everyone belongs.
Walk or Roll with Us at the 23rd Annual Chicago Disability Pride Parade!
Celebrate Disability Pride Month by showing up, standing proud, and moving together in solidarity at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade on Saturday, July 25, 2026!
This powerful event uplifts disability culture, community, and pride. Let’s make some noise and show our strength together!
Interested in participating?
Contact Becca at Becca@thearcofil.org
Learn About the History of the Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag represents the diversity of the disability community. Each color symbolizes a different disability experience, while the diagonal stripes represent breaking through barriers.
The original Disability Pride Flag was created in 2019 by writer Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy. After receiving community feedback, Magill worked with the disability community to redesign the flag in 2021. (learn more)
Celebrate Out Loud
Show your Disability Pride in a way that’s meaningful to you.
Every story shared and every act of pride helps raise awareness, celebrate inclusion, and inspire others to build a world where everyone belongs.
Wear Your Disability Pride!
Whether you shop The Arc Store or you wear your favorite color in the disability pride flag, we’d love for you to snap a selfie in your gear! Share what Disability Pride means to you on social media.
Don’t forget to tag The Arc of Illinois and use the hashtags:
#DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #TheWorldWorksBetterWithUs #TheArcofIllinois
Together, let’s celebrate disability, inspire inclusion, and show the world that the world works better with us.
Share Your Pride!
Update your Facebook profile with a Disability Pride frame and make sure to share with fellow advocates!
- Log onto https://www.twibbonize.com/digitalpride26
- Choose and upload your photo.
- Download your new profile frame with your image.
- Open your social media accounts.
- Go to your profile and update your profile picture.
- Share on social media what Disability Pride means to you
Tag The Arc of Illinois and use the hashtags: #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #TheWorldWorksBetterWithUs #TheArcofIllinois
Simple Ways to Celebrate Disability Pride
When you become a member of The Arc of Illinois, you’re joining Illinois’ largest statewide disability advocacy network.
Your membership strengthens our collective voice, advances public policy that protects rights and improves lives, and helps ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunities they deserve.
We are present in all 102 counties in Illinois. In the last year, we reached more than 40,000 individuals and families.
Your donation powers advocacy that strengthens services, protects rights, and improves lives across Illinois. Every gift helps The Arc of Illinois lead public policy efforts, educate lawmakers, mobilize advocates, and ensure the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are heard.
In this last year, The Arc of Illinois represents 35+ statewide committees, advisory groups, and workgroups, helping shape disability policy and services.