Disability Pride Month is observed annually in July, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and mandates accessibility in employment, public services, transportation, and more. 

Beyond legal protections, Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize the achievements, history, and contributions of individuals with disabilities, challenge stigma, and promote a culture of inclusivity. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we, as individuals and organizations, can better support, celebrate, and include people with disabilities in every part of life.

The disability community often speaks of a philosophical shift: moving from Disability Acceptance, to Disability Joy, and finally, simply to Joy. This mindset encourages organizations and individuals to recognize and celebrate disability as a valuable aspect of human diversity and not something to fix, but something to include and embrace. 

BHN Accessibility Committee

At BHN, our commitment to equity and inclusion is lived out daily through our mission, program operations, and employee interactions. This commitment is reflected in how we treat both our employees and the individuals we serve, with dignity, respect, and care. It is grounded in BHN’s core values, including individual worth, compassion, freedom from stigma, and respect for diversity. One way we put these principles into action is through our Accessibility Committee, which is dedicated to enhancing accessibility for both persons served and employees who may need accommodations. This committee works closely with Human Resources to ensure that our services and workplace environment reflect legal compliance and a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement. 

This year, BHN’s Accessibility Committee focused heavily on updating BHN’s Accessibility Plan for 2025, ensuring it aligns with all CARF accreditation requirements - from technology to service access. The committee also addressed attitude and culture transformation - bringing the spirit of disability joy to how we approach the legal requirements of ADA accommodation.

Inclusive Meetings, Inclusive Culture 

As part of this cultural shift, the Accessibility Committee drafted a set of inclusive meeting standards to help make meetings more accessible and welcoming for all participants, regardless of disability status or learning style. These guidelines are currently being piloted within the accessibility committee and offer practical strategies for both virtual and in-person settings, such as sharing agendas ahead of time, allowing flexible participation, and ensuring physical and communication accessibility. Stay tuned for more information on these strategies. 

Educating and Expanding 

Accessibility doesn’t stop at plans and policies. Many committee members also serve as subject matter experts in disability-related trainings hosted by BHN’s Center for Education and Professional Excellence. These sessions have explored a wide range of topics, including:

• Blindness
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing culture
• Neurodiversity and Autism
• Other conditions that include mobility, chronic illness, learning disabilities etc.

In addition, the committee is collaborating with the substance use disorder (SUD) division on a grant-funded initiative aimed at expanding access to detox and residential programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, ensuring no one is left behind in their recovery journey. 

Continuing the Work 

The work of accessibility is never finished, it’s a continuous effort to listen, learn, and evolve. With every step, BHN is moving closer to a future where disability is not only accommodated but celebrated. This Disability Pride Month, we invite everyone in the BHN community to reflect on how we can shift our thinking from inclusion as an obligation to inclusion as a source of joy.

For more information, visit: Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month - The Arc

Learn more about BHN's Developmental & Intellectual Disability Services, supporting individuals with developmental needs and helping them to thrive in our communities.