Disability Pride Month
According to a recent finding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 million adults in the United States live with some sort of disability, whether that be physical, mental, or developmental. That’s more than 1 in 4 adults. These statistics also include individuals who manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders, and more. With this large statistic, we must take the time to recognize our disabled peers and their experiences, amplifying their voices and stories.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on July 26th, 1990, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. However, since then, disabled individuals have continuously faced discrimination, bigotry, and ableism throughout their lives in numerous different scenarios. From doctors gaslighting symptoms, to being called slurs, disabled people have continued to fight for their justice each day throughout history. July is recognized as Disability Pride Month in the United States, recognizing the day the ADA was passed and the ongoing struggle for social justice amongst disabled individuals.
Officially beginning in July 2015, Disability Pride Month is now a nationwide reset to focus on the stories of those affected by their disability and chronic illness. The flag, shown below with the colors gray, red, gold, white, blue, and green, went through two redesigns in order to accommodate folks with sensory impairments. The original design, created by Ann Magill in 2019, contained the same colors but had a striking zig-zag pattern across the design. The concept was supposed to represent how people with disabilities have to maneuver around social barriers and restrictions. This design had a strobing effect and was a danger for those who suffer from epilepsy or other visually triggered disabilities. Thus, the flag went through a redesign in 2021, showcasing the same colors but in a muted tone to accommodate those with color blindness. The design also showcased the stripes in a solid diagonal line to remove the strobing effect for those with sensitivities.
The colors on the flag represent numerous different disabilities, chronic illnesses, and invisible illnesses. The colors are as follows…
Black: To represent those lost from disability discrimination, ableist violence, abuse, and more.
Red: To represent physical disabilities.
Gold: To represent neurodiversity (including Autism and ADHD).
White: To represent individual disabilities, illnesses, or conditions that have yet to be diagnosed.
Blue: To represent psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness.
Green: To represent sensory disabilities, including blindness & deafness.
Serenity Zone Therapy is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all to thrive in. This Disability Pride Month, we want to take a moment to remind you all to listen and advocate for those around you that live with disabilities. It shouldn’t have to happen to you or someone you care about to matter.
So this July, remember…
❖ ADA accessibility should be more than just a ramp outside a building.
❖ Not all disabilities are visible.
❖ Ambulatory mobility aid users exist and are not faking their disability for attention.
❖ Disabled people still do not have marriage equality in the United States.
❖ Anyone can become disabled at any point in their life.
Thank you.
~ Celine Colon, MHC-LP
Serenity Zone Therapy is dedicated to providing quality mental health counseling for all individuals, regardless of culture, identity, or disability status. We have several counselors who are experienced with the chronically ill/disabled community, who are focused on supporting YOU!
Call us today at 516-640-6788 or head over to the Contact Us Page to fill out an inquiry form and someone will reach out to you to get the process started.
