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 It uplifts the voices of people with disabilities, challenges outdated perceptions, and reclaims disability as a vital, visible part of human diversity. In this article, we will explore the history of Disability Pride Month, the origins and evolution of the Independent Living Movement, the changes we have seen, and look to a future that recognizes intersectionality and justice.

June and July are months of celebration of resilience, identity, and community. While June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, July carries the celebration forward with Disability Pride Month. These back-to-back months are more than a calendar coincidence. They are deeply connected by a shared history of activism, struggle, and triumph in the face of injustice.

To understand why we celebrate Pride in any form, we have to remember where it began.

When people hear the word "Deaf," many think only in terms of hearing loss. But Deafness is far more than a medical condition. It is a rich cultural and linguistic identity shared by millions. It is a vibrant community, a visual language, and a unique way of experiencing the world. It’s important to understand the deeper context: the history, culture, language, and advocacy that define this powerful and resilient community.

Blindness and vision loss, whether partial or total, bring profound changes to a person’s daily life, both physically and emotionally. Adjusting to life after losing sight not only requires learning new skills, but also reckoning with and accepting that one of the primary ways we experience the world has changed, for good.  But with the right skills training, assistive tools and technology, support, and community, independent living and a fulfilling life are available.. For those experiencing vision loss, CPWD’s Beyond Vision program offers both skills training and personal support as a path to acceptance and independence.

People who are DeafBlind are individuals with both vision and hearing loss. Because they live in a world that functions primarily on sight and sound, they are some of the most resilient, creative, and determined people in the broader disability rights movement. Their lived experiences challenge us to reimagine how we can build an inclusive society based on accessibility, innovation, and empowerment.

April is Autism Awareness Month.  To bring awareness about Autism and neurodiversity, we are presenting some facts about this often misunderstood condition. We’ll explore what Autism is and is not, look at causes and conditions, and present resources where you can find out more or request services.