Disability Pride Month

[1] It originated in the United States to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990.

[2][3] People with disabilities make up 15% of the world's population[4] representing all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

[13] It marks a break from traditional concepts of disabilities as shameful conditions, which were often hidden from public spaces and mainstream awareness.

[14][15] Disability Pride is celebrated worldwide, including in the United Kingdom,[16][17][18] South Africa, and other countries during various times of the year.

[19][20] Other Disability Pride Celebrations have occurred in England,[16] Germany,[21] New Zealand,[22] Norway, Switzerland,[23] and South Korea.

According to a newspaper clipping from the day, "more than 400 people marched, drove, wheeled and moved from City Hall to Boston Common in a demonstration to affirm that 'far from tragic, disability is a natural part of the human experience.

'"[11] The featured speaker was Karen Thompson, author of Why Can't Sharon Kowalski Come Home?

It was held again in 1991 but ended after that due to the death of lead organizer, Diana Viets, and with the move of co-organizer Catherine Odette to Madison, Wisconsin.

[43] The first Chicago parade was funded with $10,000 in seed money that Sarah Triano received in 2003 as part of the Paul G. Hearne Leadership award from the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Disability Pride Parades have been held in Chicago each subsequent July with a theme and a grand marshal each year with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After receiving hundreds of messages from other disabled people who had experienced similar incidents, she decided to proceed with the idea.

Due to the limitations of COVID-19 lockdowns, the event moved online in 2020 with a two and a half hour show hosted by Latest TV which also aired on Freeview on July 12, 2020.

[1][60] Magill's original flag featured a lightning bolt design and bright colors on a black background.

The flag was redesigned in 2021 with muted colors and straight stripes in response to feedback from those with visually triggered disabilities.

The coloured stripes are placed diagonally across the flag to show how disabled people have to cut across barriers in society.