Why Disability Pride Month Deserves the Spotlight
Let’s talk about something that deserves a little more time in the spotlight—Disability Pride Month! Every July, we get a chance to celebrate the vibrant diversity, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities. It’s not just about checking a box or remembering an anniversary—it’s about recognizing that disability is a natural, important part of what makes our communities awesome.
Wait, What’s Disability Pride Month All About?
Disability Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. If you’ve ever used a ramp instead of stairs, read a website with alt text, or watched closed captions on a video, you’ve seen the ADA in action. This law was a game-changer—knocking down barriers and opening doors (literally and figuratively) for millions.
But Disability Pride Month is more than just a history lesson. It’s about pushing back against the idea that disability is something to “fix” or hide. It’s about showing up, being visible, and demanding the respect and inclusion every person deserves.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
Did you know the first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990—the very same year the ADA became law? By 2004, Chicago was hosting full-on Disability Pride Parades, and now, celebrations are popping up all over the country. These events aren’t just parties (though, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good parade?); they’re powerful reminders that people with disabilities belong at the heart of our communities.
Why Should You Care? (And What Would Happen If We Didn’t Celebrate?)
Imagine a world where ramps, accessible tech, and inclusive hiring were afterthoughts. Not so great, right? Even with the progress we’ve made, many people with disabilities still face barriers in work, school, health care, and daily life. Ableism (that’s the fancy word for discrimination against people with disabilities) can be sneaky, but its effects are very real.
Disability Pride Month is our annual reminder to break down those barriers and build a culture of self-acceptance, rights, and respect. It’s about making sure everyone—no exceptions—can live fully and freely, on their own terms.
How IMA Walks the Walk
At Imaging & Microfilm Access (IMA), inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s built into everything we do. Through our partnership with New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), we’re proud to provide meaningful jobs for people with disabilities, especially on public-sector projects. It’s not just the right thing to do; it makes our team stronger, our work better, and our communities richer.
As our president Mitch Davis puts it:
“Over 21 years of partnership with NYSID, IMA has been proud to employ more than 100 individuals with disabilities. Their dedication and hard work have driven the successful delivery of hundreds of projects for government clients at every level, creating meaningful value for our company, our clients, and communities throughout New York.”
Want to Make a Difference?
Here’s your invitation:
- Attend a Disability Pride event (parades are highly recommended for their good vibes!).
- Learn more about disability history and culture.
- Check in with your own workplace—how inclusive is it, really?
- Reach out to us at IMA if you want to make your organization more accessible and welcoming. (We’re always up for a chat!)
The Bottom Line
Disability Pride Month is about more than celebration—it’s about action. It’s about seeing disability as a vital part of our shared human experience, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table (or a spot on the parade float). IMA is proud to be a longtime partner with NYS Industries for the Disabled, enabling those with disabilities to perform the majority of the labor on IMA’s New York State government contracts.
So this July, let’s reflect, celebrate, and keep pushing for a world where inclusion, visibility, and respect aren’t just for one month—they’re for every day.
Want to talk about making your workplace more inclusive or need help going paperless? Contact the IMA team today!