Disability Pride Month 2026
Every July, we honor Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize disability identity, community, and culture. It also marks the anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26th, 1990. The first Disability Pride Day celebration took place in Boston in 1990. Then, in 2004, Chicago hosted its first Disability Pride Parade.
Within the Disability Pride Month Flag, each color stripe has a meaning.
- Red – physical disabilities
- Gold – neurodiversity
- White – invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed
- Blue – emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
- Green – for sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities
The faded black within the background represents the rage toward victims of violence and abuse. The diagonal band across the background represents light and creativity cutting through the darkness, allowing everyone to fulfill their life’s purpose.
This year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” highlights the importance of inclusion in every part of daily life. When people with disabilities are respected, supported, and fully included, our communities become stronger and more effective. That includes schools and workplaces, healthcare, transportation, and public spaces.
