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As we wrap up the month of July, we are coming to the end of Disability Pride Month, which is celebrated each July and coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was a groundbreaking piece of civil rights legislation that has made an enduring impact on millions of Americans’ lives and has inspired disability-led advocacy around the world when it was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark civil rights legislation affirms and protects the rights of people with disabilities to participate in public life. It forbids discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of employment, government services, public accommodations, access to transportation, and communications. Under the ADA, employers are also required to make reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with a disability.
Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. It challenges the outdated stereotypes and stigma that too often surround disabilities and reminds us that disability is not something to be ashamed of but rather a vital part of our rich human tapestry. It is also a time to show what disability pride means and what people with disabilities are proud of. We celebrate this month raising awareness of the issues that people with disabilities still face today.
One area that we are focusing on at this time is that more than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of them want to work and have skills to contribute. National data shows that as of June 2026, only 23.9% of people with disabilities are in the workforce.
At RESPECT, we are reflecting on how we can expand employment opportunities for Floridians with disabilities to address the aspirations of the individuals to become employed. As our partners, let’s work together year-round to expand opportunities to employ Floridians with disabilities not just Disability Pride Month. Together, we can make a difference!
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