Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and contributions of people with disabilities, while recognizing disability as a natural and valuable part of human identity. More than a moment of awareness, Disability Pride is about embracing individuality, challenging stigma, and promoting inclusion in all areas of life. It’s also a time to reflect on the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ongoing efforts to build a more accessible and equitable world. Throughout this month, we honor the voices, achievements, and advocacy of the disability community and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, independence, and pride.

Share Your Disability Pride

We invite you to celebrate Disability Pride Month by sharing what makes you proud. Whether it’s a strength you’ve developed, something you’ve accomplished, or what your disability means to you, your voice matters.

You can participate by:

• Posting on social media using #DisabilityPride and tagging us, or
• Emailing your story, photo, or short video to hsoutter@dawncil.org

At the end of the month, we’ll bring these submissions together into a special compilation video to highlight and celebrate our community.

Let’s uplift each other and show what pride looks like; your story could inspire someone else!

Click below to access our interactive calendar:

July Recreation Events

July 9th - Patriotic Bingo

Celebrate summer with a festive twist at our Patriotic Bingo Night! Join us on July 9 from 6:00–8:00 PM in the DAWNcil Upstairs Classroom for an evening of fun, laughter, and community as we honor America’s 250th birthday. Enjoy multiple rounds of bingo, win exciting prizes, and connect with others. Light snacks will be provided, and guests are encouraged to wear their best red, white, and blue. Don’t miss this spirited night of games and celebration! 

July 27th - Bowl-a-thon

Get ready for a night of strikes, spares, and friendly competition at our Bowl-a-thon! Join us at Hanover Lanes for a fun-filled evening of bowling that’s perfect for all skill levels - from beginners to seasoned players. Enjoy great company while showing off your skills and cheering each other on. The cost is $20.

Enhanced Life Skills 2026

ADA Anniversary: Self Advocacy & Disability Rights

Join us as we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. This in-person workshop focuses on building self-advocacy skills, understanding your rights, and learning how to access community supports. Participants will gain valuable tools to speak up for themselves and navigate everyday life with confidence.

Our Self Advocacy & Disability Rights ELS Class will take place on:

Tuesday, July 21st

6:00–8:00 PM (check-in at 5:45 PM)

66 Ford Road, Upstairs Classroom

Denville, NJ 07834

Enhanced Life Skills classes are held every third Tuesday of the month and offer practical, real‑world tools for communication, self‑advocacy, social confidence, and independent living.

Click here to access the full class schedule for 2026.

To sign up for future classes, click the class title in the link above.

Wheelchair Softball League is in Full Swing!

Ready to try something new? We are excited to continue our wheelchair softball team, the NJ Blues, by launching season two! We look forward to welcoming players of all experience levels. Join us for Tuesday evening sessions from now through August 25!

Players are meeting weekly at Challenger Field to build skills, stay active, and spend time together on the field. The league continues to be a welcoming space for all experience levels, with a focus on teamwork, consistency, and enjoying the game. Take a look at the photos for a glimpse of how the season’s going so far!

Click here for more information.

Catch us in the Community:

In the News

Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup – Paris 2026

The world’s largest celebration of inclusive soccer is almost here! From July 6–11, 2026, Paris will host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, bringing together 24 teams (men’s and women’s) from around the globe. Athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete side-by-side with Unified partners, showing the power of teamwork, inclusion, and shared achievement on an international stage.

This event is about more than competition; it’s a global movement. With over 60 matches played across multiple venues in Paris, the tournament highlights how sports can break down barriers and bring people together through respect, connection, and joy.

How to Watch & Follow Along:

• Online: Follow highlights and videos on the official Special Olympics YouTube channel, where event clips and features are regularly posted.
• Official Website: Stay updated on schedules, teams, and results through the Special Olympics event page.
• Social Media: Search hashtags like#SpecialOlympics, #PlayUnified, and #Paris2026UFWC for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes moments.

Whether you’re cheering from home or following along online, this is a chance to witness the spirit of inclusion in action. Join the excitement and celebrate athletes who are proving that the game is better when we play together!

Help Improve Digital Accessibility in New Jersey

Have you experienced challenges using websites, mobile apps, or online services? ACI is inviting people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and professionals to share their experiences in a brief survey on digital accessibility. Your input will help identify common barriers, highlight how inaccessible technology impacts independence, and support efforts to improve online access across New Jersey. Participation is voluntary, and responses are confidential. Take a few minutes to share your voice and help create a more accessible digital world.

Click here to take the survey.