JULY ARTICLE: Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, observed each July, commemorates the 1990 enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that extended vital civil rights protections to people with disabilities.

The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Not all disabilities are visible. The ADA protects people with mobility, vision, hearing, intellectual, cognitive, and other disabilities.¹

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four adults in the U.S. have a disability.²   Disability Pride Month recognizes the value of people with disabilities and raises awareness about the importance of disability culture and inclusion.

"We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay" is this year’s Disability Pride Month theme that has been selected by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates to promote inclusion and convey the important message “people with disabilities are a vital part of every community.” ³

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is dedicated to removing barriers and creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential in their homes and communities.

OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the southeastern part of Massachusetts. Below are just a few ways OCES supports people with disabilities.

Also known as “homecare” services, help people with disabilities remain safe and independent at home. Homecare options include but are not limited to care management, personal care, homemaking, and transition support upon discharge from hospital or nursing facility. Transportation coordination for medical appointments and procedures is also part of homecare services. Whether for short-term needs or for ongoing support, homecare encompasses a wide range of supports and may be provided in an individual’s own home or that of a family member or friend.

OCES provides home-delivered meals, also known as “Meals on Wheels” to individuals with disabilities who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare meals on their own. A delicious, nutritious meal is delivered to their homes Monday through Friday. The OCES monthly menu is planned by a registered dietitian and includes medically-tailored meals with a doctor’s approval and also meals for those who have special diets. In addition to Homecare and Nutrition services, OCES offers Behavioral Health, Adult Family Care, Community Housing programs and more.

OCES supports everyone without exception. Join us in celebrating people with disabilities and honoring the history, culture and achievements of the disability community.

Sources:
¹ADA.gov. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (n.d.) Introduction to the Americans with Disability Act. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/
²CDC Disability and Health. (2025, April 14). Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic. https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/disability-impacts-all-of-us-infographic.html#
³ The Arc. (2025, May 19). Why and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month [Blog post]. https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/