National Disability Independence Day 2024: Explore, Embrace, Empower

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Lauren Allison & Emily Bonchi
July 26, 2024

Every year on July 26th, we come together to celebrate National Disability Independence Day, a pivotal moment in the journey toward equality and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures they have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life.

National Disability Independence Day is more than just a commemoration of a legal milestone; it is a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the work still to be done. It's a day to honor the resilience and contributions of individuals with disabilities and to recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of society. As we reflect on the advancements made since the ADA's inception, we also acknowledge the ongoing efforts needed to break down barriers and create a world where everyone can thrive.

This day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to advocate for policies and practices that support the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities. By promoting awareness, understanding, and inclusivity, we can continue to build a society that values and respects the rights and abilities of all its members.

From creators to athletes to colleagues to partners, we recognize and celebrate members of the disabled community. ❤️💛🤍💙💚

EXPLORE

This documentary follows the creative process of blind and visually impaired artists, including a photographer, dancer, writer, and the film’s director.

A documentary that tells the story of the Paralympic Games.

Black Disabled Creatives [creative collective]

A network that features freelance creatives and helps bridge the divide for black creatives with disabilities. Follow on Instagram!

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated; it’s celebrated. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide.

This Texas-based ice cream shop is run by people with special needs. Every scoop sold helps provide meaningful and sustainable jobs for employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

2024 Paralympic Games [sporting event]

Follow along with your favorite athletes.

EMBRACE

Ableism 101: How To Be a Better Ally from Access Living [guide]

Memoir by Haben Girma, disability rights advocate and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School.  

New York Public Library: Disability Pride Month Programming [event series, New York, July-August 2024]

EMPOWER

A nonprofit that empowers lives through adaptive sports.

Our clients at Bridgestone support Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Adaptive Sports Ohio (ASO), and Amputee Blade Runners (ABR) through the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, which funds individual athlete grants for adaptive sports equipment, training and competition travel, and local community programming that will create new access to sports and keep existing adaptive athletes engaged across their journey.

An organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of Latino families with disabilities and empower their ability to achieve life enhancements.

Train and provide guide dogs for those with vision loss.

Makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.