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National Disability Pride Month
July marks National Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the rich diversity of people with disabilities and their contributions to society while raising awareness about the barriers people with disabilities face in education and work.
Nearly one in four adults in the United States have some disability, according to the CDC. People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the country and are comprised of a diverse group of people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses. Most Americans either know someone with a disability or are disabled themselves, yet our shared understanding is limited of how best to support disabled people in education, work, and life.
The best way to achieve inclusivity in learning and life for disabled people is for workplaces and classrooms to encourage modeling inclusive behavior and to normalize disabilities and accommodations. For many disabled people, it's not the disability itself that creates obstacles in their personal lives, it is the environment in which they learn, work, and live. Everyone wants to work and learn in a supportive environment where they feel seen and respected.
Disabilities are defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990. Some disabilities are 'visible', or are easily detectable, such as using a wheelchair or service animal. However, many disabilities, especially those associated with mental health or neurological conditions, can be 'invisible', or not readily apparent to those interacting with the disabled person. Nearly 10% of Americans have an 'invisible' disability, although the actual number is likely higher as many people choose not to self-identify or disclose their disability.
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