Happy Disability Pride month!
Disability pride month falls in July to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 26, 1990. The ADA was a huge step for disability rights, along with other legal milestones such as the 504 Act and the IDEA. However, these did not end the fight for rights and respect. Disabled folks are still fighting for their rights, experiencing discrimination, and have lower employment rates that non-disabled people.
It is important to remember that most people will become disabled at some point in their lifetime. This may be due to old age, illness, or an accident. Others are born with disabilities and chronic illnesses that last their whole life.
To learn more about disability pride, disability justice, and the disability rights movements, check out our collection. At the Riverfront branch we have a disability pride display (see the list here) to learn more about disability history, laws, rights, and more! We are showing the Crip Camp documentary, a story of the disability rights movement's beginnings in a small camp in upstate NY, in the auditorium on Tuesday, July 18. If you're looking for disability resources, materials in an accessible format, or more, please approach a librarian at the desk or call us on the phone. We have a program for library-by-mail for those physically unable to get to the library, a newly opened sensory space on the second floor, and other resources we're happy to connect you with.
An important saying in the disability community is "Nothing about us without us". To celebrate that this month, take time to hear folks with disabilities' perspectives by reading their books, learning their history, and hearing their hopes for the future.
-Charlie Loftus
Librarian Trainee, Yonkers Riverfront Branch