Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, shines a light on the remarkable contributions of the disabled community and commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted on July 26, 1990. This legislation was a pivotal step towards combating discrimination across employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to government services.

Over the past 34 years, significant strides have been made. We’ve witnessed advancements in accessibility in buildings and public transportation, technological innovations, strengthened legal protections, improved employment opportunities, and heightened awareness in education. Yet, like any marginalized group, there remains unfinished work.

Today, unemployment rates among individuals with disabilities persistently exceed those of the general population. Challenges in accessing older buildings and healthcare services, alongside the need for effective communication in medical settings, underscore ongoing hurdles. Disparities in quality education persist for students with disabilities, and broader societal awareness of disability issues, including intersectionality, requires amplification.

Recognizing both progress and persistent challenges, I’m marking this month by sharing some of my personal go-to resources for disability inclusion:

Go-to Resource for Inclusion Information

The TIES Center collaborates with states, districts, and schools to foster inclusive environments for students with disabilities. Their website is a treasure trove of data and resources invaluable to parents and educators alike.

Podcast

“Think Inclusive,” produced by the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, stands out as my favorite inclusion-focused podcast. Tim Villegas’ conversational and informative approach continually offers new insights, even for those well-versed in the field.

Book

“Your Students, My Students, Our Students: Rethinking Equitable and Inclusive Classrooms” by Lee Ann Jung, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and Julie Kroener is a personal favorite. This book courageously challenges prevailing special education practices and proposes five transformative disruptions.

Children’s Books

I’m inspired by “Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You” by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, which encourages inclusivity and understanding among children by featuring diverse characters with various disabilities. It fosters respectful curiosity and embraces differences.

Another poignant read is “We’ll Paint the Elephant Red” by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, a decade-long companion that navigates the emotional journey of a parent discussing disability with their child. Its nuanced approach complements more direct conversations about disability.

Expand Understanding and Embrace Inclusion

Each of these resources serves a unique purpose in fostering understanding and celebration during Disability Pride Month. However you choose to observe this month, may it be an opportunity for personal growth and a deeper appreciation of the disabled community’s lived experiences.

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Disclosure: inclusion AMPLIFIED provides communication consulting services to MCIE, host of the Think Inclusive Podcast. All thoughts and opinions shared in this piece are those of Jill Wagoner.