University Libraries
Celebrate Disability Pride This July
By Collections Strategies & Services Staff
On July 26, 1990, a crowd of 3,000 people gathered on the White House’s South Lawn as President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) into law. A Dayton Daily News article published that day quoted attendee and Miami Valley resident Mark Willis, who is partially blind: “This is just the beginning,” Willis said hopefully, “but what a wonderful beginning it is.”
The passing of the ADA followed a long, hard fight. In March of that year, over 1,000 proponents staged a demonstration on the U.S. Capitol to push for the bill’s passage. Over 50 of the demonstrators abandoned their wheelchairs, crutches and other supportive devices to crawl up the steps of the Capitol in a public demonstration of determination.
Every July, Disability Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of this landmark civil rights law and provides greater visibility for continuing efforts to provide equality, justice and access to people with disabilities. In 2024, as Daytonians gathered in the downtown area for the third annual Disability Pride Rally, people with disabilities spoke of resiliency. A Dayton Daily News article about the event shared the story of Sierra Ward, who overcame bullying to graduate from high school and a two-year career certificate program.
Long after the landmark legislation passed, accessibility remains an elusive goal. According to the World Health Organization, people with disabilities are more likely to struggle with inaccessible and unaffordable transportation, face health inequities and die earlier. Those with disabilities are much more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than those who are not disabled.
Even so, in the 35 years since the ADA passed, public spaces have become more accessible to people with all types of disabilities. Neurodivergence regularly trends in online searches, reflecting widespread awareness and acceptance. As attitudes toward disability change, so does language. More people use person-first language to place people instead of disabilities at the center.
The challenges and successes that people with disabilities face call for continued support. To build a better world for everyone, we need to first reflect on what we know, and what we need to learn.
Check out these resources from the University of Dayton Libraries, or your local library:
Historical News Articles
- “Civil Rights Law Caps Long Effort by Local Backer,” Dayton Daily News, July 26, 1990
- “Crowd Sees Bush Sign Disabilities Act,” Dayton Daily News, July 27, 1990
- “Disabled Protest for Rights Bill,” The Charlotte Observer, March 14, 1990
- “Disability Pride Rally Celebrates Contributions People With Disabilities Make in Region,” Dayton Daily News, July 28, 2024
Books
- Indigenous Disability Studies
- Demystifying Disability: What To Know, What to Say, and How To Be an Ally
- Disability Politics and Theory
- Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice
Research Journals
- Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
- Journal of Learning Disabilities
- Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
- Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities
- Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities