Disability Pride Month

Written By Manitoba Possible

July is Disability Pride month, marking the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, signed on July 26, 1990. It is now a global movement, commemorating the history of the Disability Rights movement, celebrating disability identity, and ending ableism and stigma.

While the movement is rooted in collective social action, it can be deeply personal and look different for everyone. We asked our Manitoba Possible Ambassadors Ava, Janelle-Marie, and Meagan what Disability Pride means to them.

Ava sits at a table inside a restaurant. She has shoulder length brown hair and is wearing a brown sweater over a floral blouse. Her face is resting in her hand as she smiles at the camera.

Ava May

To me, Disability Pride means embracing who you are, who you were born to be, and not being ashamed of yourself. Our world is built in a way that is inaccessible to many people and lots of people don’t understand what it’s like to be disabled. They think we’re broken, or sick, or we need to be fixed. To be proud is to stand up to that and say “look at me - I am not broken or sad. I am alive and well and I am living my life in a way that works for me!” I am proud to be someone that can speak up on my own experience and uplift other voices. I’m proud to be a role model for other Deaf children. I didn’t really get that growing up, so to be able to be that person for other Deaf children is an honour, and something that I will always take seriously. Deaf people CAN DO ANYTHING! 

A selfie of Janelle-Marie. She has black and pink braids pulled into pig-tails. She is wearing brown-rimmed glasses and a bright pink shirt.

Janelle-Marie Emond

Disability Pride, to me, is a radical act of self-acceptance and a celebration of the unique ways that my mind and body navigate this crazy world we live in, by shifting the narrative from one of “overcoming” to one of inherent value and belonging. Living with a disability has profoundly shaped my perspective, fostering a deep sense of empathy and creative problem-solving; it has taught me that there is rarely only one “right” way to accomplish a task, and true innovation often stems from embracing diverse approaches to accessibility. I am proud of my ability to advocate for myself and others, transforming challenges I face into opportunities to build a more inclusive environment where everyone’s lived experience is honoured and respected.

A photo of Meagan on a beach. Behind her is bright blue water and tall palm trees. Meagan has light brown hair in a pony tail. She is a wheelchair user, with a special third wheel attachment on the front of her wheelchair.

Meagan Pedneault

For me, Disability Pride month has many meanings. It is about celebrating our identity, resilience, and advocating for accessibility and inclusion. It’s a reminder that disability is not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but a part of who we are. This month also encourages greater understanding, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates the strength of the disability community while continuing to push for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Manitoba Possible
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Creating a Community Kitchen Accessible to All