In a few days, I’ll be boarding a plane to Abilene, Texas, where I’ve been invited to speak for Disability in Action’s celebration of Disability Pride Month. While preparing my presentation, I found myself wondering: How many people even know July is Disability Pride Month?  

Most of us have heard of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Many people know February is Black History Month or March is Women’s History Month. October is recognized as Blind Equality Achievement Month, formerly called Blind Awareness Month. Every month seems to include one or more observances dedicated to recognizing a group of people, a cause, or an important piece of our shared history.  

That led me to another question.  

What are these observances really celebrating?  

Are they recognizing differences? Educating? Honoring accomplishments? Remembering struggles?   

Perhaps each observance shines a light on a different part of our shared human experience.  

When I hear the word pride, I don’t think of arrogance. I think of freedom.  

For many people with disabilities, pride means no longer feeling the need to apologize for who they are. Pride means recognizing that every life has value. Pride means embracing our strengths, acknowledging our challenges, and living each day fully.  

Blindness is one characteristic of my life. It has shaped my journey, opened unexpected doors, introduced me to remarkable people, and given me opportunities I never imagined. Would I have chosen blindness? No. Even so, I can honestly say blindness has become one of my greatest teachers.  

The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed on July 26, 1990, opened doors that had been closed for generations. Ramps, accessible technology, service animal protections, and equal opportunities continue to make a meaningful difference. Those changes came about because people believed every person deserves the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong.  

We’ve made tremendous progress.  

Our journey continues.  

Perhaps that’s the deeper purpose of these observances. They remind us how far we’ve come while encouraging us to keep moving forward together.  

As I head to Texas, I’m honored to celebrate Disability Pride Month with Disability in Action. More than anything, I’m looking forward to meaningful conversations—conversations that help us see one another with greater understanding, greater compassion, and greater possibility.  

Perhaps every observance month offers us an opportunity to see someone else’s world a little more clearly. When we connect, listen, and relate with one another, our perspective begins to change. And when our perspective changes, we change the way we see and change the way we live.