Disability Pride Month

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities in several areas. This includes in places of employment, transportation, public accommodation, and other factors of life. For this reason, the month of July was chosen to represent Disability Pride Month. During this month, we recognize the accomplishments and struggles of members of the disability community. The month is a reminder of the fight those with disabilities face everyday, as progress at the legislative level has been slow.

Disability Pride Month is also a month to remember that we have far to go to reach an inclusive world. In 1990, Boston became the first city to celebrate Disability Pride Day with a parade. Since then, cities across the United States have celebrated with marches, pageants, and parades. As the holiday is fairly new, many wonder how to celebrate properly, especially when they are not part of the community. One of the best ways to celebrate and support those in the community is to follow disability activists and support businesses owned and operated by those with disabilities. Another way to support the community is to contact your elected officials about policies that will make the world more accessible and equal for those in the community.

When it comes to politics, the current push is for equality, where individual or community is given the same resources and opportunities. However, having one resource or opportunity presented the same for all communities fails to acknowledge the barriers some may face when trying to reach the resource or succeed in the opportunity. Instead, we should strive for equity, where we recognize that individuals face different circumstances, and tailor resources and opportunities to those barriers in order to reach an equal outcome.

During election periods, many organizations dismiss those with disabilities, referring them to mail-in ballots instead of in-person voting, but there are states that have strict requirements for those ballots or that fail to offer them at all. The United States has, in recent years, tried to make voting accessible for all. In October of 2002, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was signed into law, requiring all polling locations to have at least one accessible voting machine. The requirement has since allowed blind and visually impaired voters to vote independently and privately. While voting locations may be accessible to those with physical disabilities, the staff may not be equipped to assist those with mental disabilities. This is in part due to the stigmatization of mental disabilities, as well as the perception of disabilities being something we can see.

At Rideshare2Vote, we prioritize voters with disabilities, offering assistance that is not typically offered by poll workers or by other organizations. We provide wheelchair accessible rides, as well as ensure our drivers are aware of any disabilities or barriers the voter may face. We want to create an environment and culture in the United States where all voters feel that they matter and that they can achieve what those without those barriers achieve.
by Delany Doggett