Every July, two important milestones shine a light on accessibility and inclusion: Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Together, they celebrate the progress toward creating a more accessible world while reminding us that inclusion is an ongoing journey. They offer an opportunity to reflect on how far public spaces have come in supporting people of all abilities—and where there is still work to be done to ensure everyone can participate with dignity, independence, and confidence.
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a landmark federal civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990 that banned discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life, such as employment, transportation, and public accommodations.
By requiring accessible buildings and services, the law has helped remove countless barriers and created greater opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully and independently in their communities. More than three decades later, the ADA continues to shape how public spaces are designed.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the ADA’s anniversary and to recognize the history, achievements, and contributions of the disability community. The month encourages awareness, inclusion, and the celebration of disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
Historically, many individuals with disabilities faced discrimination and pressure to hide or downplay their disabilities. Disability Pride Month helps challenge that stigma by promoting acceptance, visibility, and equal participation in society. It also celebrates the diversity of the disability community itself, symbolized by the Disability Pride flag, where each color represents a different disability and reflects the strength and unity of the community.
The ADA's Lasting Impact on Public Spaces
The Americans with Disabilities Act changed the way public spaces are designed by establishing standards that help ensure people with disabilities can access and use public facilities. Features like ramps, elevators, accessible parking, wider doorways, and accessible restrooms have become staples of inclusive design because of the ADA's influence.
These improvements have made communities more welcoming and have allowed millions of people to participate more independently in everyday life.
But accessibility is not static. As our understanding of disability and inclusion continues to evolve, so do the expectations for the spaces we build.
How Can I Make My Space More Inclusive?
Celebrating the ADA's landmark signing and recognizing Disability Pride Month naturally leads to an important question: How can we create spaces that are truly inclusive?
The answer begins by considering the experience of people of all abilities—not just the able-bodied:
- Can everyone easily enter and navigate your building?
- Are there quiet or sensory-friendly spaces for visitors who may need them?
- Do your restrooms include amenities, such as adult changing tables, that support people with complex care needs and their caregivers?
By designing with a wide range of abilities and experiences in mind, public spaces become more welcoming, accessible, and dignified for everyone who walks through the door.
Photo sourced via Crip Camp Facebook © Steve Honigsbaum
Want to Learn More? Understand Disability Through Real Stories
One of the best ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month is by learning from the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Books, documentaries, and films can offer powerful perspectives, challenge misconceptions, and help build a greater understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and disability culture.
Books
Being Heumann by Judith Heumann. A firsthand memoir from a leading disability rights activist who was a driving force behind the ADA.
Disability Visibility Edited by Alice Wong. An anthology of essays offering a wide lens into modern disabled experiences.
True Biz by Sara Nović. A gripping novel set at a boarding school for the Deaf.
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig. A memoir exploring the nuances of living with a physical disability in an able-bodied world.
Demystifying Disability by Rebecca Ladau. An intelligent, approachable guide to the correct language to use (and not use) and how to be an ally for people with all types of disabilities.
Movies & Documentaries
Rising Phoenix: A powerful documentary highlighting the Paralympic Games and exceptional disabled athletes.
The Reason I Jump: An immersive film that explores the varied experiences of nonspeaking autistic individuals.
Crip Camp: Award-winning documentary that tells the story of Camp Jened, a summer camp for teens with disabilities that became the birthplace of a generation of disability rights activists.
Sound of Metal: Features an immersive exploration of the Deaf community and one drummer's journey adapting to sudden hearing loss.
Wonder: Follows Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, as he navigates school for the first time, sharing a heartfelt story about kindness, inclusion, and looking beyond appearances.
Want to make your restrooms more inclusive? Shop Sova’s adult changing tables to encourage accessibility this Disability Pride Month.
