Three Ways to Commemorate Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month in the US, when we commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. The ADA was born of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by any program or activity that receives federal funding. Activists like Judith Heumann, whose story is referenced below, were instrumental in advocating for disability rights law in the US. ARL continues to follow the lead of these activists, advocating that the US federal government strengthen laws and regulations to support people with disabilities.

Below are three ways you and your library can acknowledge Disability Pride Month this July, and engage in disability advocacy year round!

1. Share Your Reading List

Florida State University (FSU) Libraries issued this list of 15 books that highlight the diverse experiences of disability. The list includes poetry collections, essays, and firsthand accounts of disability history. FSU’s blog post about Disability Pride Month also includes an image and description of the disability pride flag. If you like what you read, let them know on social media using the hashtag #FSUlibraries.

NC State University Libraries curated this online resource of recommended reading for Disability Pride Month, which reflects the physical display in their Popular Reading Collection. The list includes the story of Judith Heumann, a disability rights activist who was instrumental in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and federal civil rights regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. (For more on Heumann, check out the award-winning documentary Crip Camp).

2. Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Marrakesh Treaty

In June, the US celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. The treaty is meant to address the global book famine—less than 10 percent of published works are available in accessible formats. Read more below, and share your stories on social media using the hashtag #MarrakeshTreaty.

• Libraries are key to implementing the Marrakesh Treaty around the globe. Read more in this post by EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries).
• Kelsey Corlett-Rivera, the international language librarian at the US National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress (LC), discusses accomplishments and challenges in sharing materials for the visually impaired.
• Since 2013, 119 countries have joined the Marrakesh Treaty. Check out this map to learn which countries have joined the treaty, and for details on national implementation.

3. Get Involved in Disability Rights Advocacy in the US

This year, the US Department of Education will begin a process of updating regulations that implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Accessibility is a priority for ARL members and for the Association, and we plan to submit comments on how the federal government may reduce barriers for people with disabilities who need to access  educational materials. Follow this page to track ARL’s advocacy on accessibility.

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