Disability Pride Month
What is Disability Pride Month?
According to The Arc, "Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is 'The World Works Better With Us.'"
Each July, Disability Pride Month recognizes disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. It recognizes the voices, culture, leadership, and achievements of people with disabilities, commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and encourages continued efforts toward accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.
A Brief History
Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, transportation, public accommodations, and many other areas of public life.
While the ADA marked a significant milestone, Disability Pride Month also reminds us that accessibility and inclusion are ongoing efforts. It celebrates the disability community's history, culture, accomplishments, and continued advocacy for equal access and opportunity.
Disability Is Not a Bad Word
More than one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability. Disabilities may be visible or invisible, lifelong or acquired, permanent or temporary. They include physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, learning, mental health, and chronic health disabilities. Every person's experience is unique.
Disability Pride Month encourages us to recognize disability as an important part of many people's identities and experiences. Rather than viewing disability only through a medical lens, Disability Pride Month celebrates the creativity, resilience, innovation, leadership, and contributions of disabled people in our communities.
Language preferences vary from person to person. Some individuals prefer identity first language, such as "disabled person," while others prefer person first language, such as "person with a disability." Respecting each individual's preferences helps create a more welcoming and inclusive community.
Pride vs. Awareness
Disability Pride Month is different from disability awareness campaigns.
Awareness focuses on recognizing and understanding disability.
Pride celebrates disability identity, culture, community, and the right of disabled people to participate fully in every aspect of society. It encourages us to recognize disability as an important part of human diversity rather than something to be hidden or overcome.
Disability Pride Month reminds us that accessibility benefits everyone. Communities become stronger, more innovative, and more welcoming when people of all abilities are included, valued, and empowered to participate.
Learn About Disability History and Culture
One of the best ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month is by listening to disabled voices.
Explore books, films, memoirs, biographies, and other resources that share the experiences, perspectives, and achievements of disabled individuals and communities. Learning about disability history helps us better understand the ongoing work toward accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Here are just a few titles available through Commerce Township Community Library.
Youth
This is how we play : a celebration of disability and adaptation by Slice, Jessica
Fighting for yes! : the story of disability rights activist Judith Heumann by Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
Unstoppable : women with disabilities by Wolfe, Helen
Teen
The Disability Experience : Working Toward Belonging
Disability visibility : 17 first-person stories for today : adapted for young adults
Adult
Demystifying disability : what to know, what to say, and how to be an ally by Ladau, Emily
Believe me : my battle with the invisible disability of lyme disease by Hadid, Yolanda
Inclusive and Accessible Resources at Commerce Township Community Library
Commerce Township Community Library is committed to providing resources that support a variety of learning styles, reading preferences, and accessibility needs.
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Large Print Books
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Audiobooks
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Digital Resources
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Books on CD and CD Players
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Talking Books
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Vox Books
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Wonderbooks
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Tonieboxes
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Braille UNO
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Braille Playing Cards
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Light-Up Cornhole
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Anti-Glare LED Page Magnifiers
What is a Toniebox?
The Toniebox is a screen free audio player that allows children to listen independently to stories, songs, and educational content. Its simple design, tactile controls, and audio based format support a variety of learning styles and can be especially helpful for children who benefit from auditory learning experiences.
Visit the Library
This Disability Pride Month, we invite you to explore our collections, discover stories by disabled authors and advocates, and learn more about disability history, culture, and accessibility.
Whether you are checking out a memoir, introducing your child to inclusive picture books, borrowing an audiobook, or exploring one of our accessible collections, the library is here to support every reader.
Together, we can help build a community where everyone feels welcomed, included, and empowered to participate.
The world works better with us all.
Explore More Online
Looking to continue learning? These organizations offer reliable information about disability history, accessibility, advocacy, and inclusion.
Learn about Disability Pride Month, disability rights, advocacy, and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Serving Oakland County and surrounding communities, The Arc Oakland County provides advocacy, information, referrals, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They also offer community education and opportunities to connect with local resources.
Explore information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility, and disability rights.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
Learn about the free Talking Books and BARD services available to eligible individuals through the Library of Congress.
Disability Network Eastern Michigan
Oakland County's Center for Independent Living, offering peer support, independent living services, advocacy, transition services, accessibility resources, and community education for people with disabilities.
We encourage you to visit Commerce Township Community Library to explore these topics further through our collections, programs, and accessible resources. Our staff is always happy to help you find books and materials that match your interests.