Cincinnati Region Celebrates Disability Pride in July

Cincinnati Region Celebrates Disability Pride in July

By Molly Lyons

In July 2015, a group of disability advocates, organizations, and supporters in Cincinnati came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA was passed on July 26, 1990. It’s a historic piece of legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities. The ADA addresses rights for accommodations. It covers transportation, jobs, communications, and access to state and federal programs. Over the past decade, these national celebrations have become monthlong Disability Pride celebrations. They take place throughout July to recognize the anniversary of the ADA.

This year, the Cincinnati region is joining the national movement with a month of Disability Pride celebrations. Activities include proclamations from the City of Cincinnati and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and other accessible art and culture events. We encourage businesses, organizations, and local governments to raise Disability Pride flags.

Find the schedule of events at DisabilityPrideCincy.org. You can also pick up a copy at all Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library branches.

The original Disability Pride flag, designed by Ann Magill in 2019, featured a lightning bolt to symbolize how individuals with disabilities must navigate barriers, demonstrating their creativity and resilience. In 2021, the flag was redesigned by Magill and a group of disabled activists to include five colors, each representing a different aspect of the disability experience: red for physical disabilities, gold for intellectual and developmental disabilities, white for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, blue for mental illness, and green for sensory disabilities. This updated flag aims to encompass the broad spectrum of disabilities and foster a sense of unity and pride within the community.