Disability News July 26, 2025
Editor's Note: The disability community is increasingly preferring to use identity-first language (disabled person) in place of person-first language (person with a disability). This is because many in the community view disability as being a core component of identity, much like race and gender. Some members of the community, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, still prefer person-first language. Both should be considered valid. Articles shared in this newsletter may contain one or the other (or both) depending on the author's preference, and if they themselves have a disability.
Today is the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and July is Disability Pride Month. Sometimes people don't know what to think about "disability pride" because they still view disabilities as something to be ashamed of or embarrassing to have. Societal views about disability have done a lot of damage and continue to harm people who just want to live their lives like anyone else. Person first language came from people with intellectual disabilities wanting to be seen as people - their disabilities were viewed a making them useless to society so they were shut away and ignored. The ugly laws that existed from 1867 to 1974 made it illegal for disabled people to exist in public at all regardless of disability. And it's becoming obvious that the current administration would love to go back to those days and not have to deal with disabled people or poor people or people of color or trans people or anyone who doesn't fit their idea of a person.
To that I would say a lot of things that aren't appropriate in polite company so instead I will share some links about disability pride and disability joy because joy is a revolutionary act. And we all belong here.
Joy in Hard Times: Celebrating Disability Pride During a Crisis by Julia Métraux on July 24, 2025 at Mother Jones
"In celebration of Disability Pride Month, [Julia] interviewed three disabled Americans about what brings them joy and hope in a challenging time: Kara Ayers, an assistant professor in pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati; AJ Link, the director of policy at New Disabled South; and dancer and advocate Marisa Hamamoto, founder of Infinite Flow Dance."
Celebrating Disability Pride Month 2025: What Does Disability Pride Mean to The Arc of Massachusetts Staff? by Katerina on July 24, 2025 at the Arc of Massachusetts
"The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates selected the 2025 Disability Pride Month theme: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay. It delivers a powerful message—people with disabilities are a vital part of every community. Not someday. Not conditionally. Now. As we celebrate this month, we asked the staff of The ARC of Massachusetts what disability pride means to them and their families. Here are their responses."
Disability Pride Month: Acknowledging Our History, Value, Rights, and Justice by Kyra Coates on July 1, 2025 at the Center for People with Disabilities
"Disability Pride Month is more than a symbolic event. It’s a cultural and political movement rooted in decades of advocacy and resilience. It uplifts the voices of people with disabilities, challenges outdated perceptions, and reclaims disability as a vital, visible part of human diversity."
The ADA Changed Everything, and Still, It Was Only a Beginning by Keisha Greaves on July 1, 2025 at Northeast ARC
"Keisha Greaves is the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, an adaptive fashion consultant, and a self-advocate. In a new blog series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community. In this entry, Keisha reflects on the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride Month."