Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate people with disabilities while promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in everyday life. The month commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights legislation signed into law in July 1990 that prohibits discrimination of any kind against people with disabilities.
This year, disability rights organization The Arc has announced the 2026 Disability Pride Month theme: “The World Works Better With Us.” The theme recognizes the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities and highlights the importance of building communities where everyone can thrive.
While the ADA marked a significant milestone in advancing disability rights in the United States, barriers still exist for these individuals. Many people with disabilities continue to face ableism and unequal access to employment opportunities.
In California, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, more than 1.8 million adults between the ages of 25 and 64 live with at least one disability that impacts their daily lives. About half of working-age adults with disabilities are employed. While that is an important achievement, it is one that still falls behind the employment rate for adults without disabilities, which is approximately 62% based on the most recent available data.
Over 1 in 4 Americans has a disability. Goodwill of Silicon Valley hires people of all abilities because we believe anyone who wants to work should be able to. Every donation and purchase made in our stores directly funds services that support people facing barriers to employment including people with disabilities. As we acknowledge the anniversary of the ADA, we also recognize that creating a more equitable world requires ongoing action. This year’s message from The Arc: The World Works Better With Us reflects a message we share every day. Together, we can continue building communities in the Silicon Valley where everyone of all abilities has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.
To learn more about Disability Pride Month and ways to celebrate, visit The Arc’s guide: https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/
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