The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the ADA.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a crucial piece of legislation in the USA that ensures equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It’s a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

What is the ADA?

The ADA provides a level playing field for individuals with disabilities in employment, education, transportation, public accommodations, and other areas of life. It mandates that public places and businesses be accessible to people with disabilities, breaking down barriers. The ADA has boosted the economy by expanding the workforce and creating new markets for accessible products and services.

Since inception, the ADA has helped to shift societal attitudes towards people with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and accepting culture. By promoting inclusion and accessibility, the ADA empowers people with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in society.

Essentially, the ADA is a cornerstone of civil rights, ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Learn More

• Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Guide to Disability Rights Laws
• Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
• ADA Requirements: Effective Communication
• A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
• Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA

What Has the ADA Done?

The current US presidential administration also released a statement highlighting various efforts they have taken to improve access, in just the current term:

• signed an Executive Order establishing a Government-wide commitment to advancing equality and equity in Federal employment, including for people with disabilities
• helped State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits access Federal funds to hire more disabled Americans
• making the Federal Government a model employer when it comes to wages, accommodations, and opportunities to advance for people with disabilities
• announced funding to involve parents of children with disabilities as partners in creating equitable and inclusive schools
• issued a rule to bar denials of medical care related to organ donations or lifesaving care for disabled Americans based on their disability alone
• proposed updated medical diagnostic equipment guidelines to ensure people with disabilities can access health care providers 
• made it easier for scientists to get funding for research on health disparities in the disability community by designating people with disabilities a “health disparity population”
• making the biggest investment in history — $1.75 billion — to make transit and rail stations more accessible, and investing $5 billion to add wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms at airports and other locations
• issued standards for State and local governments to make their web content and mobile apps more accessible to Americans with disabilities so they can more easily access local government services, emergency services, voting information, and publicly funded education
• working to make online health services and applications for jobs in the Federal Government more accessible

Read the full proclamation here.

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Celebrating Disability Pride Month doesn’t necessarily mean I’m proud of having disabilities. This month, for disabled people, is more about celebrating our whole selves, including our disability. While we’re at it, we’re also advocating for a more inclusive world.

Here’s a breakdown of what Disability Pride can mean:

• Self-Acceptance: Embracing yourself and your unique perspectives and experiences as a person with a disability
• Community: Being part of the vibrant and diverse disability community – there’s a strong sense of belonging and shared experiences among people with disabilities
• Challenging Stigma: Fighting against negative stereotypes and barriers in society that people with disabilities face
• Celebrating Strengths: Recognizing the resilience, creativity, and determination that often comes with navigating challenges related to disability
• Disability as Diversity: Highlighting disability as a natural part of human diversity, just like race, gender, or sexual orientation

With that in mind, we can celebrate Disability Pride Month and advocate for equal rights, even if you wouldn’t say you’re “proud” of your disability. It’s more about celebrating your identity and working towards a world where disabilities are not viewed as limitations, but as simply a part of who we are.

It’s a journey, not a destination. If you are disabled, your feelings about your disability may evolve over time. There’s no pressure to feel a certain way.

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Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, focuses on honoring and celebrating people with disabilities. Disability Pride is a chance to learn more about disability rights and celebrate the vibrant disability community.

History of Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month traces its roots back to 1990, the year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This landmark legislation in the United States aims to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities.

Here’s a more detailed timeline:

• 1990: The first Disability Pride Day is held in Boston in the same year the ADA is passed.
• 2004: Chicago organizes the first Disability Pride Parade.
• 2015: New York City officially recognizes July as Disability Pride Month, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the ADA.

Why Disability Pride is Important

This month, like other pride and awareness recognition days and months, raises awareness about disability rights and the ongoing fight for equality. This month is a time to recognize the history, achievements, and experiences of the disability community. During July, we celebrate the rich culture and contributions of people with disabilities to society, challenge discrimination, and promote a more inclusive world for everyone. 

The Disability Pride Flag

The flag uses five colors to represent different aspects of the disability community:

• Green: Represents sensory disabilities (vision, hearing, etc.)
• Blue: Represents emotional/psychiatric disabilities
• White: Represents invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Gold: Represents neurodiversity (conditions like ADHD, Autism, etc.)
• Red: Represents physical disabilities

How to Celebrate

• Learn about the disability experience. Talk to people with disabilities, get to know them and their challenges, and learn more about disability rights in your country.
• Educate your elected officials on disability and inclusion. Research policies and platforms that affect your local disabled community.
• Use hashtags like #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityAwareness to share stories, pictures, videos, and wisdom on social media.
• Donate your time or funds to disability rights organizations that support people with disabilities. Are you in a position to hire someone? Could it be a disabled person?
• Attend Disability Pride events. (Where? This article from The Arc of the United States shares some locations!)

This July, join the celebration of disability as part of diversity, and advocate for inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

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National PTSD Awareness Day in the US is observed on June 27th each year. It’s a day to raise awareness about the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and fight the stigma surrounding it.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. While often associated with veterans, PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a terrifying ordeal. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) is a condition that shares some similarities with PTSD, but differs as cPTSD develops from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences.

PTSD symptoms fall into 4 categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional arousal. The main differences between PTSD and cPTSD are the length of trauma and the symptoms. People with cPTSD typically have additional symptoms, including chronic and extensive issues with emotion regulation, identity and sense of self, and relationships.

I don’t often talk about the traumatic events that caused my cPTSD – and this blog post isn’t the place for it either. I have been able to manage my condition through years of therapy and other supports, but it hasn’t always been an easy journey. I’m working now in therapy about using parts of my story in my public speaking, and I hope to be able to share more about my experiences in the future.

National PTSD Awareness Day

So, why does an awareness day matter?

• Combating Stigma: PTSD is a real condition, but it can be shrouded in secrecy and shame. National PTSD Awareness Day helps break down these barriers by openly discussing the disorder. This encourages people to seek help without fear of judgment.
• Education is Key: Many people don’t fully understand PTSD, or cPTSD. This day serves as a platform to educate the public about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available. The more we understand PTSD, the better we can support those who experience it.
• Building a Support Network: No one should fight PTSD alone. National PTSD Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of building a supportive network for those struggling. It can be friends, family, therapists, or support groups – knowing they’re not alone can make a world of difference.
• Sharing Resources: There are many effective treatments available for PTSD and cPTSD. This day is a chance to highlight resources and organizations that can help people access the care they need.

By working together, we can create a world where everyone with PTSD feels comfortable seeking help and living a fulfilling life.

Further Reading:

• CPTSD (Complex PTSD) – The Cleveland Clinic
• The Difference Between PTSD and CPTSD – Psychology Today
• National Center for PTSD – US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health

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Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is celebrated on the third Thursday of May each year. In 2024, GAAD falls on May 16th. According to accessibility.day, “The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access / inclusion and people with different disabilities.”

We’re celebrating GAAD this year at Inclusive Pixelation with a free webinar discussion on Accessibility at Work. You can get the details and register here.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities and impairments to consume and/or interact with digital applications and content independently. In many parts of the world, there are laws and regulations that mandate a certain level of accessibility for websites and digital products created by government agencies, schools and universities, and other public institutions. (I spoke about some of those international laws recently at my webinar on Accessibility & Disability Inclusive Workplaces.)

Digital accessibility is all about creating a level playing field in the digital world for everyone, regardless of ability.

State of Accessibility

According to the WebAIM Million Report, over 95% of websites have at least one accessibility error.

96.4% of all errors detected fall into six categories: Low Contrast Text, Missing ALT Text, Missing Labels, Empty Links, Empty Buttons, and Missing Language. These most common errors have been the same for the last 5 years. Addressing just these few types of issues would significantly improve accessibility across the web.

Ways You Can Participate

Check out these great events you can attend, virtually or in person, all day – and month! – long:

• Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Events: https://accessibility.day/events/
• International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Events: https://accessibilityassociation.org/s/gaad
• GAAD at Level Access: https://www.levelaccess.com/gaad/

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May 12 is the International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). These conditions include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia. This day coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. Although ME/CFS was not defined in her lifetime, many historians believe she developed an ME/CFS-like illness. She became chronically ill and was often bedridden later in life. 

What Are These Conditions?

ME/CFS is characterized by substantial disability that affects daily activities and is accompanied by profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest. While varying by person and affecting many body systems, symptoms include severe fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, lightheadedness, dizziness, problems thinking and concentrating, pain, and worsened memory. Post-exertional malaise (PEM), a distinguishing feature of the illness, is the worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity.

Although more common in women, ME/CFS affects people of all ages, including children, and people of all races and ethnicities. In December 2023, CDC released a new national estimate of how many people in the U.S. have ME/CFS. Data showed 1.3% of adults, or about 3.3 million people, currently had ME/CFS.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body, as well as sleep problems, fatigue, and emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed.

There are characteristics that have been linked to fibromyalgia, but more research is needed to confirm these relationships. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men. Stressful or traumatic events, such as adverse childhood experiences, car accidents, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase risk. Repetitive injury and family history can also be causes.

Spoiler alert for the upcoming PTSD Awareness Day! My doctors determined the cause of my fibromyalgia to be long-term nerve stress and damage, which was caused by PTSD from a traumatic event. More on that later!

Why an Awareness Day?

Having a shared awareness day for these similar conditions allows organizations supporting people with various CINDs to combine efforts for greater impact. This increases public awareness of the challenges faced by those living with Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases like fibromyalgia. 

Many celebrities have contributed to awareness about these conditions. Lady Gaga has revealed that she struggles with fibromyalgia and has spoken about how the condition can make it difficult to perform. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac has spoken about her struggles with CFS since the 1980s. She has described the fatigue as feeling like “someone put a big wet blanket over me.”

Sources and Further Reading:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): May 12 is ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): ME/CFS International Awareness Day
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Arthritis > Fibromyalgia
• National Fibromyalgia Association: 2024 Awareness Day
• May12th.org: International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND)

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Disability Book Week, held on April 23-29 each year, invites individuals to become more inclusive with what they read by reading a book that features a main character with a disability.

I most often read nonfiction, but this past week I took up the challenge of choosing a fiction novel featuring a main character with a disability. I scoured a few lists from GoodReads and the official Disability Book Week website, and picked out something that caught my interest.

I’ve been reading “The Maid” by Nita Prose, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it! It’s won some awards and made bestseller lists, but also gets some mixed reviews on GoodReads. Most of these reviews were critical of the portrayal of the main character.

I’m understanding this criticism, even though I’m finding the book enjoyable. A few scenarios were less than believable when main character Molly “struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others.” Molly’s awkwardness sometimes comes across as her being unintelligent, which readers know through her inner thoughts she is clearly not.

I’m going to see this one through to the end to see if the characterization of Molly becomes more believable. I do enjoy the writing style and the pace of the story; it’s keeping me interested and I’m curious how Molly is going to navigate the mess that is her hotel of employment. 

What books have you read featuring a disabled main character? Have you picked up any of the others on the Disability Book Week list?

We can’t have a Disability Book Week without celebrating other books about disability inclusion! Check out this post from the archives from NDEAM on Books about Accessibility and Disability Inclusion. Of course, I’d love it if you wanted to support another disabled author and pick up my book, Making Online Learning Accessible!

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World Bipolar Day is held on March 30th each year. It’s an international campaign to raise awareness about bipolar disorders. World Bipolar Day (WBD) is recognized on March 30th as the birthday of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as likely having bipolar disorder. 

What is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to work or to carry out day-to-day tasks.

An estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives. An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar disorder within the past year, with prevalence rates remaining the same between males and females.

There are three types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. The types vary in the intensity and occurrence of symptoms. Moods can range from manic episodes (periods of elated, irritable, or energized behavior) to depressive episodes (very sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed during late adolescence or early adulthood. Although the symptoms may vary over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. Following a prescribed treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Why a World Bipolar Day?

Recognizing an international day of awareness for bipolar disorders can encourage open discussion about mental health challenges, help reduce stigma around bipolar disorders, and connect people with resources and support. People often share their stores with hashtags like #BipolarStrong and #WorldBipolarDay.

Many celebrities and other public figures have opened up about their challenges living with bipolar disorders, including Mariah Carey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Carrie Fisher, Demi Lovato, and Stephen Fry. It’s important to remember that bipolar disorder affects people from all walks of life.

My diagnosis came later in life than some, due to many years of misdiagnosis and medications that just wouldn’t work. But since getting the proper diagnosis and treatment, what was once a challenging condition became manageable. I now advocate for others to seek attention from a medical professional – sometimes more than one, if necessary – to find the right treatment plan. 

We can talk another day about how much my medications cost and the general state of the United States healthcare system – because I know this keeps many people from being able to properly manage this disorder. In fact, this topic may be part of another series on working with a disability – more on that soon!

Sources and Further Reading:

• Bipolar Disorder: National Institute of Mental Health 
• World Bipolar Day
• International Society for Bipolar Disorders
• International Bipolar Foundation

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