By Halle Nichols, Marketing and Communications Intern
This July, True Friends recognizes Disability Pride Month. Throughout this celebration, we will reflect on various aspects of life with a disability, from historical moments in the community to disability culture and visibility, to the achievements and experiences of children and adults with disabilities. We will also commemorate the impactful signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Though July 26,1990 may have felt like just another scorching summer day to most, it was a day that would make history for members of the disability community. That was the day President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, legally protecting the rights of people with disabilities. Its goal was to ensure that this group of Americans had the same opportunities as everyone else by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws have done in the past.
President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo by White House Historical Association)
“Today we’re here to rejoice in and celebrate another Independence Day, one that is long overdue,” President Bush said in his opening address before signing the act into law. “With today’s signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom.”
The audience at the historic signing of the ADA included many Minnesotans with disabilities who had worked tirelessly on this legislation. Some of those advocates got their first experience of independence by attending Camp Courage or Camp Friendship.
While the ADA solidified the rights of individuals with disabilities, this community has been making history despite the barriers in an often inaccessible world. From the founding paralympic athletes in 1948 to the first hearing impaired actor cast in a long-term role on Sesame Street in 1976, children and adults with disabilities have played a significant role in our culture long before the ADA was signed. We even elected our first physically disabled head of state when Franklin Delano Roosevelt became the 32nd president of the United States. Though he referred to his disability as his “greatest deception,” his wife Elanor said, “Franklin’s illness…gave him strength and courage he had not had before. He had to think out the fundamentals of living and learn the greatest of all lessons – infinite patience and never-ending persistence.”
Today, even though we are seeing more representation, people with disabilities only make up 3.9% of TV show characters. However, shows like Love on the Spectrum, The Pit and Special are helping us move in the right direction. Other media, including movies, are also pushing us towards more inclusive representation as stories of the disability community are given a voice. Films like Wonder in 2017 depicting the experiences of a boy growing up with a disability, The Peanut Butter Falcon in 2019 showcasing a friendship across abilities and Rising Phoenix in 2020 about the legacy of the Paralympic Games, are taking aspects of life with a disability and broadcasting those experiences to the general public. While disabilities only impact a portion of the population, it can be empowering for everyone to see themselves in mainstream media.
Campers enjoying a fun time at the weekly dance at Camp Friendship (Photo by Paige Fasching, True Friends)
According to the CDC, one in four adults in the United States – over 70 million people – have a disability. This is why it’s important to take the time to celebrate not only the anniversary of the ADA, but also the Americans who have been impacted and enabled by this legislation. Gov. Tim Walz did just that in 2022 by officially dedicating the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the State of Minnesota.
True Friends joins this month-long commemoration by not only remembering what it took to get here but also by upholding our commitment to meeting the needs of the community. Currently, our Respite, Team Building, Therapy and Adaptive Riding, Camp, Retreats and Travel programs work with participants to ensure successful and fun experiences without the worries or limitations they may experience in other environments. Whether it is the physical and social benefits gained through our Therapy and Adaptive Riding Program, or the accessible adventures created by our Travel Program, True Friends is dedicated to our mission: to create experiences and adventures for individuals of all abilities.
While we are honoring Disability Pride in the month of July, we strive to recognize and empower individuals with disabilities every day. Follow along and join in our celebration, follow @TrueFriendsCan on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
If you are interested in learning more about our programs and services or involvement opportunities, visit truefriends.org for more information.
