The whole month of July is Disability Pride Month. This month occurs so that disabled people can have their voices heard and bring awareness to issues that affect our community. July is known as Disability Pride Month because President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990.

As a person who has a disability myself, I am trying to reflect on what disability pride means to me.

One thing that comes to mind is the people in our community. People with disabilities are problem solvers, and they know how to adapt to any issues that are thrown their way! We are fierce, and we certainly know how to get the job done. When I think about the trailblazers in our community that has helped to fight for our rights, like Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, and Justin Dart Jr, it makes me feel so proud to be a part of this incredible community.

Another thing that disability pride means to me is being the author of our own stories. For people with disabilities, I think it is extremely important that our stories are listened to and respected. You can make an impact just by sharing your experiences, and you never know; you may make someone feel as though they are not alone. Having a community and someone who understands what you are going through is so important!

But for me personally, I think that what disability pride means to me is being my true and authentic self no matter what anyone thinks. When I was younger, I tried so hard to “run away” from my identity and who I was, and I tried so hard to “fit in” with the crowd. But now, I’ve come to the realization that I’m just who I’ve always wanted to be. I may have never realized it before, but I’m exactly who I’m supposed to be, and I’m going to 100% own being myself because I really like where she’s heading right now!

To all my fellow disabled friends, happy pride!