Transformative Experiences and Disability Pride
Celebrate the ADA by creating community, empowering others, and advocacy
On July 26th, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. A large first step in the disability justice movement, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas. The ruling includes requirements for employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and government programs. With the ADA, people finally had the law behind them to demand things like ramps, curb cuts, access to public transportation, and reasonable accommodations for employment!
The first Disability Pride Day was celebrated in July 1990, in Boston, in honor of the signing of the ADA. In 2015, to mark the 25th anniversary of that historic moment New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July, Disability Pride Month. How you celebrate Disability Pride Month is up to you. Some people choose to share personal stories, others engage with content created by people with disabilities, seek educational opportunities, or volunteer. As someone living with a disability, one way I celebrated was by volunteering at a camp that embodies Disability Pride and that I once attended.
Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is one of 31 independent programs with the same mission; to provide a summer camp-style program for high school-age youth with disabilities. The camp focuses on leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness. Aiming to prepare each delegate for life after high school, the program helps delegates create a plan for their personal future goals. The week-long camp emphasizes creating a supportive community where disabilities are celebrated, and delegates are encouraged to engage in civic activities.
One of the standout features of YLF is Capitol Day. On this day, delegates meet with legislators from their districts to discuss issues important to their communities, such as affordable housing, bullying, and accessible technology. This hands-on experience in civic engagement is invaluable. It provides the youth with confidence and real-world skills in advocacy. There is also an emphasis on Disability Justice. With many hearing this concept for the first time, delegates learn about the history and impact of movements like the ADA, Accessible Housing, The Rehabilitation Act, and Autism Rights. I’ve seen first-hand how these activities empower youth to see themselves as part of a bigger community striving for equality and rights.
Building community is also a crucial aspect of YLF. The belonging and joy experienced in activities, like the talent show and dance, help to reinforce that advocacy and community go hand-in-hand. The camp culminates in a graduation ceremony that celebrates the achievements and growth of each delegate. This simple yet meaningful event marks a week of personal development, learning, and new friendships. YLF is a transformative experience that shows young people with disabilities that they can be independent, advocate for themselves and others, and make a difference. As a former delegate and current staff member, I can attest to the profound impact YLF has had on my life. It has shaped my path as an advocate and connected me with lifelong friends.
Many great organizations celebrate Disability Pride Month, and while that is not the core goal of YLF, the camp usually occurs in July during Pride Month. For one week, we create a community of staff and youth with disabilities where those disabilities are celebrated. We learn about the history of those with disabilities who fought for the ADA and Section 504, laying the foundation for the disability community to have the same rights and freedoms as those without disabilities. YLF is something special, where you can be yourself and be celebrated for it. It is the definition of disability pride and a big reason why many delegates become staff, board members, or look at YLF as a turning point in their lives.
As an employee of Tamman and a person with a disability, I want to encourage you to join me and my friends at Tamman and YLF in striving for a more inclusive world, during Disability Pride Month and beyond. Whether you choose to volunteer, start making your content more accessible, ask your company about its digital accessibility plan, or advocate to your legislators, we encourage you to educate yourself about accessibility – both digital and physical.
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Raquella Freeman is a Tamman team member focused on creating more accessible digital documents and assets. She brings her lived experience as a person with cerebral palsy and perspectives to the work she does and she strives to ensure all people with disabilities feel empowered.
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It’s Pride Month Y’all!
