July 2022: Disability Pride Month

WHEREAS, in July, we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush; and,

WHEREAS, the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities similar to civil rights protections provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion; and,

WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; and,

WHEREAS, the first Disability Pride Day was celebrated in Boston in 1990, the same year the ADA was passed; and,

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month was first recognized in New York City in 2015, and has since been celebrated in cities throughout the United States; and,

WHEREAS, Disability Pride accepts and honors the uniqueness of the disability community as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity, and celebrates the culture, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, as a state, Michigan must unite against ableism and discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders with disabilities contribute to our state’s success in the fields of economics, science, art, culinary arts, academics, finance, business, and more; and,

WHEREAS, this month and every month, we celebrate the diversity of the disability community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2022 as Disability Pride Month in Michigan.