Celebrating Disability Pride Month: History, Inclusion, and Empowering Every Ability
July is Disability Pride Month, which commemorates the signing of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in July of 1990. This month serves as an exciting opportunity to celebrate identity, resilience, inclusion, and amazing people with disabilities.
At ShopGoodwill.com, we proudly support the Goodwill mission in everything we do, striving to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening the communities we all live in. And we couldn’t be more thrilled to shine a light on this special occasion. Learn more about the history of this important month, get insights into how purposeful online thrifting supports your neighbors in need, and celebrate with us!
The History and Meaning Behind Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month has officially been celebrated since 2015, but its roots run much deeper, with many trailblazers fighting for disability awareness and rights for decades. This celebration is the result of the powerful Disability Rights Movement, which originally gained momentum in the 60s and 70s. It’s still ongoing today (and still as important as ever). The theme this year is “The World Works Better With Us,” a powerful reminder that people with disabilities will always belong.
From the ADA to Global Celebration
After the ADA was signed into law, Boston officially held the first Disability Pride Day. 25 years later, the first Disability Pride Month was celebrated to mark the momentous occasion. In 2026, this month serves as a way to honor the great strides made for inclusion, along with highlighting the work that still needs to be done.
Understanding the Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag is an important icon within this movement and this month of celebration. It was originally created by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy. It has evolved over the years to be more inclusive and all-encompassing, with different colors representing those with mental illness, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, invisible disabilities, and more.
Redefining Fashion: The Rise of Adaptive Clothing
When it comes to disability awareness, it’s especially meaningful to understand the importance of adaptive clothing, something everyone deserves.
What Is Adaptive Fashion?
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed specifically for people with disabilities. Think magnetic closures, sensory-friendly fabrics, and side-zip pants that all make getting dressed easier (and more comfortable).
Why Accessible Style Matters
Fashion serves as a form of self-expression, something we are especially passionate about at ShopGoodwill.com. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, which is why adaptive clothing is so pivotal to disability awareness and so needed today.
The Power of Online Thrifting for Unique Expression
While adaptable clothing requirements differ from person to person, we’re proud to operate a platform that serves as a secondhand fashion hub for those of varying styles, needs, and preferences. And we firmly believe that online thrifting is for everyone.
Finding Accessible Gems Secondhand
Online thrifting allows shoppers to find vintage and easily alterable clothing that fits their specific comfort needs—all without breaking the bank.
Customizing Your Thrift Finds
You can also customize your unique gems to be more accessible for people with disabilities. Participate in a little creative upcycling for yourself (or a friend) to make your find even more special and practical. You can replace buttons with velcro or magnets, soften stiff vintage fabrics, or add a zipper to a cool oversized tee, turning standard thrifted items into one-of-a-kind adaptive wear.
Beyond the Cart: How ShopGoodwill.com Supports the Community
At ShopGoodwill.com, we’re passionate about supporting sustainable, earth-friendly shopping practices that benefit everyone, but we also have so much more to offer.
Funding Workforce Development Programs
In addition, every bid on our site makes a big difference in your communities, helping fund a variety of powerful programs and services for those facing barriers to employment, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities. And approximately 85 cents of every dollar goes directly back into local community programs to support this work.
Fostering True Disability Awareness and Inclusion
When you shop with us, you’re getting the chance to score unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else, but you’re also doing so much more. You’re contributing to a better future for all.
From job training and interview prep to educational advancement and self-advocacy support, we’re proud to help break down barriers and build more inclusive local economies.
Ways to Honor Disability Pride Month This July
Want to celebrate Disability Pride Month and show those in your community you truly care? We’ve got you covered. We’re sharing a few tips that can go a long way when it comes to creating a brighter tomorrow.
Today, it’s more important than ever to educate yourself on disability justice, and spreading disability awareness can also be incredibly meaningful. Consider supporting disabled creators or artists and amplifying disability advocates on social media—all small gestures that can make a big difference. And be sure to think about where your money is going, participating in conscious shopping that gives back.
Want to learn more about how we’re showing our support? Check out our Mission Stories to gain insights into the opportunities we’re helping create for inspiring individuals every day.
Pride Is Action
At ShopGoodwill.com, we will always support those in our communities, and we prioritize our philanthropic efforts in everything that we do. While July serves as a special time to celebrate together, disability awareness is a year-round commitment to accessibility and inclusion. While the passage of the ADA, the Disability Rights Movement, and the yearly Disability Pride Month celebrations have all helped make significant strides toward a more inclusive future, the work is not yet complete. Many in the disabled community still face ableism, barriers, and unfair treatment, showing we still have a long way to go.
However, pride is action, and by celebrating this month together, we’re showing the true importance of equity and respect. Whether you’re attending an event, helping out a friend, celebrating your own pride, or showing up in the small ways that actually have a huge impact, you’re expressing your support for a more inclusive world—something we always need more of.
FAQs
Why do we celebrate Disability Pride Month in July?
It honors the day (July 26, 1990) the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. This was a landmark event, helping protect civil rights for people with disabilities. Disability Pride Month has officially been celebrated since 2015 in order to commemorate this momentous occasion.
What is the difference between disability awareness and disability pride?
While both are super important when it comes to supporting our disabled neighbors and friends, there are some key differentiators. Awareness focuses on recognition, acknowledging that disabilities exist and that many face barriers. On the other hand, pride takes it a step further, celebrating the power of diversity and showcasing the importance of identity and equity.
How does online thrifting on ShopGoodwill.com benefit people with disabilities?
As the first non-profit-run e-commerce auction platform, we have always prioritized giving back. Proceeds from items purchased on ShopGoodwill.com (about 85 cents of every dollar to be exact) are put directly back into a variety of community services. We help support the Goodwill mission, providing accessible job training, job placement, and additional skills training tailored especially for those who face barriers when finding employment.
Sources:
1. The Arc. (2025, May 19). Why and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month. https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/
2. American Bar Association. (n.d.). Disability Pride Month. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/celebrating-heritage-months/disability-pride-month/
3. Center for People With Disabilities. (n.d.). Disability Pride Month: Acknowledging our history, value, rights, and justice. https://www.cpwd.org/blog/disability-pride-month-acknowledging-our-history-value-rights-and-justice
