Disability Pride Month is traditionally celebrated in July to celebrate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. If you’re lucky enough that you and your family have never needed the accommodations provided by the ADA, this is a great month to look into what the act does for people in our community. The ADA regulates laws regarding service animals, requires employers to accommodate their employees’ physical and medical needs, stipulates the number and placement of accessible parking spaces and restrooms, and lots more. One in five Americans has some type of disability that makes working more difficult, and while it's unclear how the passage of the ADA has affected the employment of people with disabilities (there are a lot of contributing factors to consider!) there’s no doubt that the act has made working conditions easier for a significant number of Americans.
If you do have someone in your life who benefits from ADA accommodations, this is a great month to talk to them about their experiences! Lots of people in that position are happy to share their experiences, and it might help you learn more about what the experience for a person with disabilities is like in America. Another great way to learn about the experiences of others, of course, is to read! We’ve got several great lists of books for kids and teens of different ages featuring characters with a range of disabilities. Check them out, and celebrate the 34th anniversary of the ADA!
July is Disability Pride Month! Check out some of these picture books to learn more about people who do things differently than you do. HerrickDL KidPicks
July is Disability Pride Month! Check out of some of these middle grade books. HerrickDL KidPicks
July is Disability Pride Month! Check out of some of these young adult books. HerrickDL TeenPicks
