Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities. For us at Day Spring, a nonprofit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, this month is more than a moment on the calendar. It’s a reflection of the values we live out every day: inclusion, empowerment, dignity, and pride.
What Is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA was a major milestone in the fight for civil rights for people with disabilities, banning discrimination and ensuring equal access to public spaces, education, employment, and more.
Disability Pride isn’t just about legal protections, it’s about identity and visibility. It’s about saying that disability is a part of human diversity, and those living with disabilities have the right to live, thrive, and be celebrated just as they are.
In this context, “pride” means embracing who you are without shame, not in spite of a disability, but including it as a meaningful part of your identity. For many people with disabilities, pride is about rejecting the idea that they should hide, fix, or overcome who they are to be accepted. Instead, it’s about being seen, valued, and celebrated.
Why It Matters
At Day Spring, we believe that people of all abilities deserve the chance to thrive. Disability Pride Month is a chance to:
- Celebrate the voices and achievements of people with disabilities.
- Challenge outdated stigmas and assumptions.
- Push for equity, access, and inclusion across all areas of life.
- Honor the strength of individuals who have fought for progress.
For more than 30 years, our nonprofit organization in Kentucky has stood for these values, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential services, life skills training, and vibrant community connections.
What the Disability Pride Flag Represents
The Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill, is a powerful symbol of inclusion and identity. It was created to represent the diverse experiences and intersectionality of the disability community.
The flag features a black background with five zigzag lines of different colors, each representing a different aspect of disability:
- Red – Physical disabilities
- Gold – Neurodivergence
- Blue – Psychiatric disabilities
- Green – Sensory disabilities (including deafness, blindness)
- White – Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
The zigzag shape symbolizes the creativity, resilience, and non-linear experiences of people with disabilities. The black background represents mourning and solidarity for those who have suffered violence, discrimination, or abuse due to their disabilities.
Day Spring and Disability Pride
We see Disability Pride in action every day. It’s in the families who trust us, the staff who serve with passion, and the residents who remind us what true joy, resilience, and strength look like.
As a nonprofit in Louisville, we’re proud to be a place where people with disabilities are not just supported—they are celebrated.
4 Ways You Can Participate in Disability Pride Month
Whether you have a disability, love someone who does, or simply want to be part of a more inclusive community, here are a few ways you can get involved this July:
- Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the ADA, the disability rights movement, and the experiences of people with disabilities. Share what you learn with friends, family, or coworkers. - Attend Inclusive Events
Support organizations in Louisville hosting accessible and inclusive community events. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for Day Spring updates! - Support a Nonprofit Like Day Spring
Your donation helps us create inclusive housing, offer life-enriching programs, and build community for adults with disabilities across Kentucky.
Make a Donation - Explore a Career that Makes a Difference
Looking for a job with purpose? Join our team! We’re always looking for compassionate people to help carry out our mission.
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Because Everyone Deserves to Belong
At Day Spring, we don’t just serve people with disabilities—we stand with them, walk beside them, and cheer them on. As a proud nonprofit organization in Louisville, Kentucky, we’re honored to celebrate Disability Pride Month and the people who make our community stronger every day.
Join us this July in celebrating the pride, power, and potential of every person we serve.
