“Together in Pride: Honoring Every Body, Every Age”

Campaign Overview

This July, the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) proudly joins the national observance of Disability Pride Month under the theme: “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.”

Rooted in the values of dignity, respect, and belonging, this campaign celebrates the lived experiences, contributions, and identities of people with disabilities — across all ages and backgrounds.

In alignment with The Arc’s national theme, we emphasize that people with disabilities are vital to every community, without exception or condition. We center the voices of L.A. County residents who live with disabilities and promote inclusion not just in policy, but in culture, daily life, and connection.

Campaign Goals

Affirm Belonging: Recognize that people with disabilities are essential members of our families, communities, and systems of care.

Celebrate Lived Experience: Lift up the stories of Angelenos whose perspectives enrich our collective understanding of resilience, adaptability, and community pride.

Challenge Stigma: Interrupt misconceptions and outdated narratives about disability and aging through education and storytelling.

Promote Inclusive Action: Encourage individuals, institutions, and communities to engage in inclusive practices that advance accessibility and equity.

Key Messages

“We belong here, and we’re here to stay.”

Disability is part of the human experience — not something to fix or hide.

Aging and disability are not limitations — they are identities that carry strength, knowledge, and power.

Inclusion is not conditional — it is a right.

Pride means being seen, heard, and respected for who you are.

Top Facts

Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.

Over 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. live with a disability — that’s more than 70 million people.

The first Disability Pride celebration took place in Boston in 1990; the first parade was held in Chicago in 2004.

Barriers still exist in health care, employment, public access, and representation — Disability Pride Month is a call to address them.

Disability Pride affirms that people with disabilities do not need to be “fixed” — they deserve to be embraced just as they are.

Engagement Tips

Listen First: Center voices of people with disabilities by watching, reading, and amplifying their stories.

Start Conversations: Bring Disability Pride Month into your teams, departments, and communities. Encourage inclusive language and practices.

Celebrate Visibility: Attend Disability Pride events, wear pride gear, or add the

Disability Pride flag to your space or email signature.

Keep It Accessible: Use alt text, captions, and plain language in all communications.

Be an Advocate: Speak up when you see ableism or exclusion — even when it’s subtle.

Video Series: “Voices of Belonging”

As part of this campaign, we have launched “Voices of Belonging,” a short-form video series featuring people with disabilities from across L.A. County. In each video, participants share personal reflections and insights that challenge stereotypes, celebrate identity, and imagine a world where disability pride is fully embraced.

These stories reveal the richness of lived experience — from moments of challenge to joy, pride, and purpose.

You’ll find these videos on our social platforms and throughout the month in department communications.

NOTE: To view all the videos in the playlist, click the icon in the top right corner of the video frame, next to the arrow button. This will open the full list of featured stories.

Spread the Word on Social Media

Help raise awareness about disability pride by sharing our campaign on social media! Use our ready-to-share graphics, and hashtags to amplify the message “We belong here, and we’re here to stay.”

Because people with disabilities belong: In every space. Every conversation. Every future.

AD Handles:

• Facebook & Instagram: @LACounty4AD
• X (Twitter) & LinkedIn: @LACountyAD

Hashtags

#WeBelongHere

#WeAreHereToStay

#TogetherInPride

#AccessibleLA