Disability Visibility Month, also known as Disability Pride Month, is celebrated in July in commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was passed in 1990. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and allows for equitable access to public areas. This is seen Through our centers with automatic door buttons and sensors, marked-out spaces in our weight rooms, chair lifts at the pools, and ramps leading to buildings. We recently added a visual indicator for the wave pool for individuals with sensory sensitivities and with vision impairments. Disability Pride Month honors the history, achievements, and experiences of people with disabilities. According to the National Council on Independent Living, "Disability pride is a tool to fight against ableism by affirming one's self-worth as a disabled person in an ableist society."
Denton Parks and Rec celebrates disabilities by promoting growth through our Adapted Rec programs. Our programs encourage people to try new things and create experiences with their disabilities, like hiking with our all-terrain Freedom Chair, or pottery through our Arts and Crafts program. Disability isn’t a bad word, and having a disability does not make someone less. Check out goalball or boccia to see intense sports being played by individuals with a variety of disabilities, both are played in the Paralympics!
The ways to celebrate and engage Disability Pride are to support local artists with disabilities, attend shows and activities led by instructors with disabilities, or support programs and activities for people with disabilities. Denton Parks and Rec hosts several activities and classes for individuals with disabilities to engage in Sports, Art, Socials and Dances, and more. Get involved by attending, volunteering, or spreading the word. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Educating people is a huge part of decreasing the bias against disabilities and creating a more inclusive community.