Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the strength, diversity and resilience of the disabled community.
This month of recognition stems from a powerful act of protest in 1990 when over 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In a bold act of civil disobedience, around 60 activists got out of their wheelchairs or set aside their mobility aids and crawled up the Capitol steps—an act that became known as the Capitol Crawl. This demonstration drew national attention to the inaccessibility of public spaces and led to the passage of the ADA, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Disability Pride Month is a time to honour the history of the disability rights movement while uplifting the lived experiences, voices, and contributions of people with disabilities today. This month reminds us that disability is not something to be hidden or pitied, but an important part of human diversity. This month is about fighting stigma, promoting inclusion, and advocating for equal access and opportunity.
About the Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag was originally created by Ann Magill in 2019 and updated in 2021 to be more accessible. The flag features a black background to mourn victims of ableist violence, and a diagonal stripe that cuts across the field, symbolizing breaking through societal barriers.
The stripe is made up of six colors:
Red – Physical disabilities
Gold – Neurodivergence
White – Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
Blue – Psychiatric disabilities
Green – Sensory disabilities
Together, these colors show that disability spans across all borders and communities. Disability Pride is about visibility, joy, resistance, and belonging—for everyone, everywhere.
2025 Disability Pride Project
The Disability Pride Project, led by Tilly Nelson, was built in collaboration with people with lived experience in the disabled community. The campaign features joyful, vibrant imagery and was designed with accessibility in mind—from font size and contrast to inclusive language. The project brings this message to life with public art across Vancouver. The photoshoot included 25 people with lived experience including BC People First President and Regional Director for Lower Mainland West, Margaux Wosk.
Nelson writes, “Disability Pride Month is a time to show that we exist in joy, in colour, and in community. The disabled community deserves to take up space without shame or apology.”
People with disabilities have been and continue to be stereotyped, overlooked, or tokenized. This project flips the narrative, spotlighting authenticity, diversity, and the beauty of each person.
View the Disability Pride Project here.
