July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the achievements and activism of the disability community, elevate disabled voices, promote accessibility, and reflect on the many barriers of systemic ableism. Disability shows up in numerous ways and can differ from one person to the next. Disability representation is often portrayed as someone with physical disabilities (ex. A wheelchair). However, there are many disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, cognitive and intellectual disabilities, sensory perception disabilities, and chronic illness.
Thanks to disability activists and organizers, the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act was signed into law by President Bush in July 1990. Since then, former and current advocates continue to work hard to dismantle ableist beliefs and stigma, fight for respectful disability representation, push for accessibility in spaces, access proper healthcare treatment, and gain equal rights in marriage and employment. We honor the progress the disability community has made for future generations. There is a long history of discrimination towards the disability community, and we understand there is much more work to be done. With our mission in mind, NASW-CA will continue to develop and incorporate more accessible accommodations in our programs and events and stand in solidarity with disability activists. We are committed to creating an environment that recognizes that there is no diversity, equity, and inclusion without accessibility.
We also take this time to mourn the disabled people who have lost their lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to underlying medical conditions and systemic inequities, the disability community has experienced higher rates of infection, morbidity, and long-term severe symptoms. Throughout July and beyond, we pay our respect to those who lost their lives and those who continue to be affected by the pandemic.
NASW-CA’s DisAbilities Council
We would like to highlight our DisAbilities Council! This council aims to serve as a resource and address issues relevant to social workers and community members who identify as being part of the disability community and/or have a disability as well as provide consultation and education to members and the community at large about the disability community. The term “disability” is all inclusive, including those that are visible and invisible.
Every month, the Council meets virtually to discuss various things related to their purpose and goals, and to collaborate on action goals in service of the social work community. Their next meeting will be on Friday, July 13. The Council looks forward to meeting you!
Understanding Disability Pride Month Webinar
How did Disability Pride Month originate? Celebrate the history, experiences, struggles, and triumphs of the disability community with the DisAbilities Council! Presented by writer, editor, and essayist Ben Mattlin, this webinar explored the history and meaning of “Disability Pride.” The recording of the webinar is now available on our YouTube Channel.
Below are some recommendations from members of the DisAbilities Council to aid in furthering education and awareness of the disability community. By no means is this an exhaustive list!
Documentaries:
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020) directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham. This documentary can be watched for free on YouTube.
Sound and Fury (2000) directed by Josh Aronson
Introducing Selma Blair (2021) directed by Rachel Fleit
Podcast:
“The Accessible Stall” hosted by Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian
Books:
Different Not Less: A Neurodivergent’s Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Happily Ever After by Chloe Hayden
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century edited by Alice Wong
Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life by Alice Wong
Disability Pride: Dispatches from a Post-ADA World by Ben Mattlin
Other resources:
- UC Berkeley’s website on the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, includes archives
- Article about the disproportionately negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities
- The American Bar Association (ABA) Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council launched a 21-Day Disability Equity Habit-Building Challenge syllabus in honor of Disability Pride Month “to assist each of us to become more aware and engaged in the quest for disability equity, and specifically to learn more about the members of the disability community, many of whom are from other marginalized communities, as well as barriers, biases, stereotypes, and discrimination they encounter in everyday life.”
- Disability Pride Parade hosted by Disability Pride LA: Oct 8th, 2023
Please contact naswcadisabilitiescouncil@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to get involved.
Upcoming Webinar – Unleashing Strength: The Power of Disability Pride on July 15
In honor of Disability Pride Month, the Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council, Southern California proudly invites you to a webinar on July 15! Experience a transformative and empowering event as panelists Dr. Hoa Le and Victor Jih share their invaluable lived experiences as AAPI Disability advocates.
This event is free for all to attend.
Please contact Anna Lam at anna.lam.msw@gmail.com with any questions.
