22 Jul National Disability Independence Day
What is National Disability Independence Day?
Across the country, nearly 61 million Americans live with a disability. And on July 26, we celebrate their strength, resilience, and accomplishments with National Disability Independence Day.
For individuals who live with disabilities, this day is about celebrating how far we’ve come in terms of inclusion and equality. But, it’s also a reminder that more work is still needed. Learn more about this special day and how you can celebrate it.
What is National Disability Independence Day?
National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990.
This landmark civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and more.
The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities, and it’s helped to break down many barriers that have prevented them from participating fully in society.
Since its inception, the ADA has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans. It’s helped to create more inclusive workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools. And it’s given people with disabilities the confidence to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
We celebrate how far we’ve come in achieving disability rights and inclusion on this day. But we also recognize that there’s still more work to be done.
How can You Celebrate National Disability Independence Day?
One of the best ways to celebrate National Disability Independence Day is to learn more about the ADA and what it does. You can also support organizations that work to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities.
And, of course, you can celebrate the incredible individuals in your life who happen to live with a disability. Show them your support and tell them how much they mean to you.
What Needs to Be Done?
Although the ADA has helped to level the playing field for people with disabilities, there’s still more work. Here are a few ways we can continue to support individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion:
1. Increase Accessibility
Despite the progress that’s been made, many public places are still not accessible to people with disabilities. We can help to change this by advocating for more accessibility in our communities.
2. Educate Others
There’s still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about what it means to live with a disability. However, we can help to educate others about the realities of living with a disability and how to support those who do.
3. Stand Up Against Discrimination
Unfortunately, people with disabilities still face discrimination in many areas of their lives. We can stand up against this by speaking out against discrimination when we see it and supporting organizations that work to end it.
4. Show Your Support
On National Disability Independence Day, take a moment to show your support for the fantastic individuals in your life who happen to live with a disability. Send them a message of encouragement, and tell them how much you appreciate them.
Happy National Disability Independence Day!
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Disability Independence Day, remember that every day is an opportunity to support and celebrate the incredible individuals who live with disabilities.
Let’s continue working together to create a more inclusive world for everyone. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive.