July

Disability Pride is a powerful celebration that represents acceptance and honors the individuality of those living with disabilities, viewing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human experience. It provides the disability community with the opportunity to challenge systemic ableism and the dismantling stigmatizing perceptions. 

“I was born at a time when disability was considered shameful,” says Monica Still, a nurse for UPMC’s Spina Bifida Clinic and fierce disability advocate. “Growing up, I confused pride with overcoming. I was proud of living despite my disability. Becoming mature made me realize I am battling ableism, not my disability.  There is a rich and diverse culture, history, and shared experience within the disability community and I am proud to be a member of the disability community. Disability pride is about embracing each other, and our community, as the authentic people we are, not as society sees us. Disability pride is about celebrating our history, culture and lives as disabled people.” 

The first official Disability Pride month occurred in July 2015, marking the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting the ongoing journey toward equality and recognizing the vibrant culture, history, and achievements of the disability community. While Disability Pride is celebrated in July, celebrating the unique identities and contributions of individuals with disabilities, we strive to celebrate disabilities every day of the year.

Celebrate with us! 

Health, Equity, and Disability: ADA 35^th Anniversary Celebration! 

July 25^th from 12PM to 5PM

For more information and registration, click the link below:  

Summary - ADA35

Disability Pride Pittsburgh

September 20^th from 11AM – 4PM 

For more information, click the link below: 

General 4 — Disability Pride Pennsylvania

August

Celebrate National Accessible Air Travel Day on August 20^th!  National Accessible Air Travel Day, first launched in 2022, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for accessible air travel for individuals with disabilities. Spearheaded by All Wheels Up, a non-profit organization focused on creating wheelchair spots on airplanes, this day emphasizes the importance of safe and dignified air travel. Despite existing regulations like the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2023 and the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, significant barriers remain. Want to learn more about traveling with a disability? Follow Curb Free with Cory Lee. Cory was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two and has traveled across all seven continents in his powered wheelchair. His goal is to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zones and see the beauty the world has to offer. *Waiting for a quote from someone about their travel experience.

September

September is National Service Dog Month dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of service dogs. Service dogs are specifically trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Important Facts about Service Animals: 

1. They can be any breed or size.
2. They are only considered service dogs if they are trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability. Some examples: retrieve objects, assist with balance, give seizure or diabetic alerts, guide an individual who is blind or has low vision.
3. They are NOT emotional or therapy dogs
4. A venue is ALLOWED to ask:
   1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
   2. What work or task has the dog been trained to do?
5. A venue is NOT ALLOWED to:
   1. Request documentation
   2. Require the dog to perform the task
6. A venue can ask your service animal to leave if:
   1. The dog shows aggression
   2. The dog is not housebroken
   3. Is not under control

For more Service Dog facts visit: Service Animals | ADA.gov