Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Resources for disability rights advocacy, support, and education to build accessible, inclusive communities where everyone belongs
By Spark Kindness Team
Hello Spark Community!
Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that celebrates the important contributions by people with disabilities, encourages acceptance and inclusion, and brings awareness to the vast challenges people with disabilities continue to face. This month also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990, that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life.
At Spark, we are committed to building resilient communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. During this month and always, we invite you to learn more and take action to help create a world where everyone is valued, seen, and supported. We hope you find the resources below helpful, including local community organizations focused on disability advocacy and support.
With care ~ The Spark Kindness Team
Recommended Nationwide Resources for Support and Networking:
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): Connects you to state-based Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems that offer legal and advocacy support
- ADA National Network: Local ADA Centers across the U.S. that provide information, training, and one-on-one guidance on disability rights
- Disability:IN: Support for inclusive employment, internships, and mentoring for young professionals with disabilities
- Lime Connect: A network for students and professionals with disabilities — includes job connections, coaching, and a safe community.
It's about connecting disability to identity. As students develop disability identity, they need empowering opportunities to come together and build community.
— LeDerick Horne, Author, Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities
Recommended Documentaries, Books, and Articles:
- Compiled list of Picture Books featuring Disabled Representation
- Book: Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities by Margo Izzo and LeDerek Horne (past Spark presenter)
- Article: Teaching Disability Rights in Schools is Long Overdue, Advocates Say
- Featured articles from Temple Grandin, Ph.D on Autism awareness and support
- Documentary: Lives Worth Living by Natick, MA filmmakers Eric Neudel and Alison Gilkey and related article from PBS: Many Voices, One Purpose
- Documentary: The Road Trip Nation Documentary - Being You
Local MetroWest, MA Organizations Providing Resources, Programming, Events, Advocacy, and Support:
- All Aboard - an accessible and adaptive cycling program with the Town of Natick and All Out Adventures
- On-Demand Educational Webinars available from The Arc of Massachusetts
- ASL Education Center supports efforts to co-create engaging, accessible ASL content that connects with and empowers signing audiences in schools, workplaces, and beyond.
- Camp Arrowhead is a unique special needs summer camp program matching each camper (five years and older) with a 1:1 peer volunteer.
- DEAF, Inc.: Community Resources (advocacy services, local ASL class info, communication tools)
- The Dion Foundation brings awareness and fundraises research for rare and ultra-rare genetic neuromuscular diseases impacting children.
- Easterseals MA provides services to ensure children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play.
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School supports research and education to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events - stay updated on local events by signing up for their newsletter.
- Mass Cultural Council serves all who live, work, visit, and play in the Commonwealth by amplifying creativity, providing resources, and expanding relationships to grow a thriving cultural ecosystem.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Massachusetts' mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers.
- The Nora Project's mission is to promote disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students and communities.
- The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is dedicated to developing awareness of issues concerning the elderly and those with special needs. View their Special Needs Advocacy Toolkit.
- The Natick Commission on Disability is dedicated to promoting accessibility and equal opportunity in community life for all citizens with disabilities.
- The Natick Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is an all-volunteer organization of parents and caregivers of children receiving support services in Natick Public Schools.
- Natick Veterans Services supports veterans in Natick by offering resources for state and federal benefits programs, physical and mental health, education opportunities, disability services and more.
- Path provides funding to support therapeutic recreational and socialization programs for persons with disabilities of all ages, including programs offered by the Town of Natick.
- Skyline is the name of the Natick Recreation and Parks Department adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities serving the Natick community and surrounding towns.
- SBAGNE aims to build a brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida by providing resources, educational programs, social events, outreach, and advocacy.
- Understanding Our Differences (UOD) uses a hands-on, participatory disability awareness curriculum to foster respect and inclusion for people of all abilities in schools and communities at large.