July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse experiences of people with disabilities.
Disability Pride Month traces its roots back to 1990, the year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Initially recognized as a single Disability Pride Day, the celebration expanded in 2015, when New York City hosted the first official month-long observance to mark the ADA’s 25th anniversary. Since then, July has become a time to celebrate the disability community and continue advocating for inclusion, visibility, and equity.
This month, we draw attention to both seen and unseen disabilities—celebrating their accomplishments and acknowledging their challenges. Too often, conversations around disability pride center only on conditions that are more visible, familiar, or socially accepted, leaving out those with invisible, chronic, mental health, or stigmatized disabilities. When speaking about autism, we are reminded of the importance of embracing neurodiversity in all its forms—not just those that appear easier to support or understand. When we only highlight what’s comfortable, we risk reinforcing the very barriers this month seeks to break down.
At NorthWest ABA, we have the opportunity every day to work with children and adults with autism and other disabilities—and we’re proud to support and celebrate their unique strengths, needs, and contributions. This month and every month, we stand with our clients, their families, and our community.
🏳️🌈 Check out the Disability Pride Flag and its meaning!
The colors in order:
- Red – Physical disabilities
- Gold – Neurodiversity
- White – Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue – Mental health challenges
- Green – Sensory disabilities
- Charcoal Black – Mourning and rage for the lives taken by ableist abuse and violence
“The design choice of the colors against a dark tone, and in a diagonal angle, is also intentional. These symbolize the walls and barriers disabled people face, as well as their light and creativity cutting through the darkness. “
Source: https://www.takethis.org/2025/07/celebrating-disability-pride-month-2025/
📅 Disability Pride Month 2025 – Puget Sound Area Calendar
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, July 9 | 🎨 Drop In and Celebrate Disability Pride Month | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Interim Lakewood – Lakewood Meeting Room, Tacoma |
| Fri, July 11 | 💬 Women’s Self-Advocacy Workshop | 11:00 AM | Evergreen Branch Library, Everett |
| Sat, July 12 | 🎭 Seattle Disability Arts Festival | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Pier 62, Seattle Waterfront |
| Sat, July 12 | 🏳️🌈 Tacoma Pride Festival (with ADRC Booth) | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Wright Park, Tacoma |
| Mon, July 14 | 🗳️ Seattle Candidate Forum on Disability Issues | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Centilia Cultural Center, Beacon Hill, Seattle |
| Sat, July 19 | 🌈 Puyallup Tribe Pride – Y2K Drag, Bingo, Music | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 2031 E 32nd St, Tacoma |
| Sun, July 20 | ⚾ Mariners Disability Pride Night + Autism Acceptance Game | 1:10 PM game time | T‑Mobile Park, Seattle |
| Fri, July 25 | 🧠 Disability Pride Resource Presentation | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Pierce County Human Services, Tacoma |
| Sat, July 26 | 🏛️ ADA 35th Anniversary Celebration (live shows & booths) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Museum of Science, Seattle |
| Sat, July 26 | 🌿 Earth Gay Tacoma – Queer Eco Volunteer Day | 10:00 AM | Swan Creek Park, Tacoma |
| Sun, July 27 | 🐾 Zoo Day – ASL Storytime & Library Pop-Up | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Woodland Park Zoo, Rose Garden, Seattle |
| TBD (July) | 📚 Disability Pride Library Celebration – Interactive Stations | TBD | Pierce County Library Branch (check local branch calendar) |
✅ Event Info, Accessibility & Attendance Tips
All events are free and open to the public, with no RSVP required for most community gatherings. They’re designed to uplift and celebrate disability culture, inclusion, creativity, and pride—perfect for families, educators, advocates, and allies.
♿ Accessibility & Inclusion
- All venues are ADA accessible and well-equipped for mobility needs
- Many events include sensory-friendly spaces, ASL interpreters, and quiet zones
- Expect inclusive programming across all activities—from resource booths to performances
🌍 Virtual & In-Person Options
- If in-person attendance isn’t possible, consider registering for virtual ADA webinars happening throughout July, covering accessibility, advocacy, and disability justice
🖼️ Cultural Access
- Several Seattle-area museums and public venues offer sensory-friendly experiences and access-focused exhibitions during the month—explore their calendars for additional programming
🧠 Community Connection
- Events are designed to promote community engagement, build awareness, and connect participants with local disability resources, creative expression, and intersectional conversations
🧺 Planning Tips
- Dates marked TBD may open for registration—check local library and city calendars
- For outdoor events like waterfront festivals and park celebrations:
- Dress in layers for changing weather
- Bring water, sunscreen, and any sensory tools that support your comfort