Recognizing July as Disability Pride Month!

July 10, 2024
Hope Services’ Leadership and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee are proud to acknowledge National Disability Independence Day, scheduled for July 26th. This significant event not only celebrates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also highlights the importance and contributions of the disability community. At Hope, we embrace disability independence and awareness every day. Our programs and services are designed to provide opportunities, education, and support to individuals on their journey to independence. These efforts are aligned with our mission:

“Hope’s Mission is to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.”

July is also Disability Pride Month! The Santa Cruz Public Libraries states, “Disability Pride celebrates all 1 billion people with disabilities, their identities and culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride.” The Disability Pride Flag, created by Ann Magill and updated in 2021 for accessibility, represents different types of disabilities: physical (red), cognitive and intellectual (yellow), invisible and undiagnosed (white), psychosocial (blue), and sensory (green).

For more information, please see the video resources below shared by the Engagement and Interactions DEI Subcommittee: