Tag: disability pride month

Community Voices: What Disability Pride Means to Kathleen Barajas

By Kathleen Barajas, Board Member, The Arc of California

Disability Pride has evolved in my life over the years. As a young adult, I honestly couldn’t have imagined such a concept. It wasn’t until college that I began to embrace disability pride—when I discovered my voice, my strengths, and my power to educate others simply by being present. Despite the physical and communication challenges I faced, I excelled in my classes and often found myself teaching my professors and peers about what it truly means to live with a disability.

In 2012, I began my professional journey as a Disability Rights Advocate. I joined advisory committees and nonprofit boards, learning quickly that I had a powerful perspective to share. I was honored to be chosen repeatedly to speak on disability-related issues—often using a communication device to deliver my speeches in a way that was clear and accessible to all. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at the California State Capitol on multiple occasions, and each time I felt a profound sense of pride knowing I was there representing my community.

One of the most meaningful recognitions in my journey was being crowned Miss California Wheelchair in 2016, a role that allowed me to amplify messages of inclusion, independence, and empowerment throughout the state. That same year, I also launched Project AIR (Accessible, Inclusive Representation), a personal initiative aimed at increasing visibility for people with disabilities in leadership, media, and civic spaces.

Another moment I hold dear was being selected to serve on the City of Long Beach’s Community Leadership Committee—a body not specific to disability issues. The appointment was deeply meaningful to me because it represented a growing recognition that disability must be part of every conversation, not siloed or seen as separate from broader civic life.

Today, I am proud to serve as a Board Member for The Arc of California, continuing the work of advancing rights and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud to be part of the disability community—not just during Disability Pride Month, but every day. We are powerful, talented, and resilient. I’ve seen minds and hearts change when I share my story, and I will always make it a goal to keep opening eyes to the truth: we are not so different from anyone else.

Happy Disability Pride! 

Voices of Our Community: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

By Melissa Crisp-Cooper, Board Member, The Arc of California

July 26th marks the 35th anniversary of the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). July is also Disability Pride Month. This month’s long celebration gives us an opportunity to reflect on the diversity and accomplishments of our community. Each of us has our own unique and personal view on disability pride. We all have a different connection to disability, and we are at different points on our journey.

My own feelings of disability pride expanded when I learned about the powerful, resilient history of the Disability Rights and Justice movements. Past disabled activists fought for access and inclusion in so many aspects of everyday life that I simply take for granted. They fought for the Lanterman and Olmstead Acts so I could live a meaningful, supported life in the community. Wheelchair users chained themselves to buses so I could ride public transportation. Activists occupied government buildings so I would have access to public spaces. They fought to pass the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the ADA so I could learn and work alongside my peers.

When I reflect on our past victories, I realize our strong, collective voice has the power to open doors, knock down barriers, and reshape history. I realize that I must use my own voice to create change. I must advocate for my community, especially right now as so many of these past victories are under threat. I must roll with my community as we continue to fight for our right to live extraordinary, ordinary lives.

Happy Disability Pride!

A Personal Reflection for Disability Pride Month

By Azucena Garcia-Ferro, Project Coordinator, The Arc of California

I was born in April of 1988 and diagnosed with cerebral palsy in June of 1990, the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The implementation of the ADA meant that I grew up with the law’s civil rights protections in place.  In many ways, I am aware of how lucky I was to have been born when I was because the disability movement had already achieved so much.

We certainly have come a long way since the days when people with disabilities were institutionalized, especially in California, with the signing of the Lanterman Act of 1969. While I do celebrate both of these landmark policies, what I celebrate the most this month is this incredible community that I am a part of, including our value, and the rich diversity we bring to society.

Being disabled means pain, struggle, joy, frustration, creativity, and hope. Having a disability is messy, complex, and very expensive. For me, no day looks the same. There are days that the pain becomes unbearable and my legs hurt so much that I cannot move, and the only thing that is left for me to do is to stare at the bedroom ceiling and cry myself to sleep. There are “better” days when I can move, but my legs are not strong enough to hold me upright, and I use a power scooter to get around. However, on these “better” days, I am unable to eat pizza at my local pizza place, which is one block away from my house. It does not have an accessible entrance because “it’s too expensive to install a ramp.”

I am proud of being disabled, even though I live in a world that was not built for me or people like me. While the world is slowly adapting to the needs of people with disabilities, there is more work that needs to be done. The ADA and Lanterman assure us that we shouldn’t have to fight for our fundamental rights; I am tired of broken promises and endless extended deadlines to receive the services we so desperately need to live a dignified and accessible life. I am tired of not feeling valued or prioritized by some policy makers.

Yet, despite the seemingly endless challenges, I take immense pride in the life I have constructed, not in spite of my cerebral palsy, but because of it. I have surpassed everyone’s expectations. I have ventured to 17 countries across the globe, assumed the role of a speaker, and I have launched my own podcast in Spanish about living with cerebral palsy. Additionally, I contribute to several advisory councils and boards, striving to influence policy changes. These personal victories are a testament to the resilience and strength that individuals with disabilities possess.

If you are an individual with a disability I encourage you to share your story about what you are proud of during this month, and always. Our stories deserve to be heard. Happy Disability Pride Month!

California Disability Rights Advocate Nicole Adler Makes Special Vow for Disability Pride Month

Nicole Adler is a two-time Governor appointed Council Member for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and is also a speaker and disability rights advocate. In honor of Disability Pride Month, Nicole recorded a special message about what disability pride means to her, and takes a vow to accept others for their uniqueness and exactly how they are without judgement or labels. “Diversity is what makes the world a more beautiful place,” Nicole said.  She suggests that others make a similar vow and commitment to supporting  diversity and total acceptance.

“Love has the power to change the world. Join me in creating a love revolution and show your disability pride!” Nicole added.

Click HERE to watch video!

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