Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA During Disability Pride Month

Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA During Disability Pride Month

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people based on their disability.  

The ADA has played a pivotal role in ensuring equal access to jobs, businesses, transportation and government services. Utilities that many people see as simple accommodations, such as automatic doors, transportation lifts, elevators or simply having an open mind, were critical advancements for people with disabilities. Before the ADA, people with disabilities faced challenges in everyday life that often led to a loss of independence, opportunity and even confidence, while reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The passage of the ADA in 1990 helped open doors for millions, creating the conditions for greater equity, inclusion, respect and the ability to lead rich, rewarding lives.  

Each July, Disability Pride Month honors that progress while highlighting the work that remains. The first Disability Pride celebration was held in Boston in 1990, just days after the ADA was signed into law. Local advocates organized it as a public celebration of disability identity, visibility and civil rights. It was an opportunity to highlight disabilities as a difference to be proud of, rather than to feel ashamed or ostracized.  

Since then, the movement has grown nationwide, with Chicago hosting its first Disability Pride event in 2004 and soon becoming a national leader of the movement. The parade offers a platform to celebrate identity, challenge ableism and promote inclusion. 

This year, Search celebrated Disability Pride Month by joining the Chicago Disability Pride Parade, walking alongside fellow advocates to celebrate community and visibility. For the people supported by Search, participating in the parade was an opportunity to empower their community while showcasing their pride and self-expression! 

Pride looks different for everyone supported by Search.  

For Danielle S., having pride in her disability means being happy and proud of herself. “Doctors diagnosed me with ADHD at 2 and a half, and every day I learn something new,” she said.  

For Stephanie K., pride means “learning and being able to be independent.”  

For Tracy B., it’s “being able to enjoy myself.” 

To celebrate the ADA’s 35th anniversary, we invite you to donate $35 in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Search. Disability Pride Month is not only a celebration of progress, but a call to keep moving forward, together. At Search, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, to be heard and to live with pride.