Disability Pride Month: Building a More Inclusive Community Through Visibility and Advocacy

Each July, communities across the nation come together to celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, achievements, and identities of people with disabilities. In Los Angeles County, the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) launched a campaign centered on this year’s national theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” established by The Arc. The theme underscores the simple but profound truth that when people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of life, everyone benefits. 

From ramps to closed captioning and audiobooks, disability pride is about more than individual identity; it’s about celebrating disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity that creates opportunities for everyone to thrive.  

AD’s campaign aims to raise awareness of disability history, rights, accessibility, and inclusion, while also elevating the stories and voices of Angelenos with disabilities. Throughout the month, the department has shared educational resources, personal narratives through the “Proud to be Me” video series, and community engagement opportunities to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to foster belonging and promote accessibility for all. 

Celebrating Disability Pride with Disability Rights California 

On July 16, 2026, Disability Rights California (DRC), the premier organization for protecting and defending the legal rights of people with disabilities in the state, brought that spirit of Disability Pride Month to life by hosting an in-person community gathering at their downtown Los Angeles office. The event was a direct example of Disability Pride Month’s aim to highlight disability pride and uplift the voices and advocacy efforts of people with disabilities.  

The gathering invited community members, advocates, and disability rights leaders to connect, share their lived experiences, and collectively advance the movement for disability justice. The atmosphere was enriched by coffee and treats from organizations like Special Flavours Community Kitchen and Mychal’s Café & Bakery, both of which empower people with developmental disabilities through meaningful employment. 

DRC, a leader in disability rights advocacy for nearly half a century, continues to champion equity, access, and opportunity for Californians with disabilities. As DRC’s Manager for the PULSE Unit, Sofia Vergara, explained, “Disability pride means not being ashamed of what makes you different, but really reveling in it—taking it as something to be celebrated rather than looked down upon.” For Vergara, the theme “The World Works Better With Us” means moving toward a society where people with disabilities don’t have to ask to be included. “The more people see us being included in spaces, the less unusual it will become, and the more prideful people can be about themselves.” 

Vergara’s work is centered in empowering people with disabilities to understand their rights under conservatorships, which is a court process in which a judge chooses someone to make decisions on behalf of an adult with a disability who is deemed unable to care for themself. 

“There’s a misconception that folks conserved by the Department of Developmental Services automatically have all of their choices and autonomy taken away. That’s patently false,” said Vergara. “Many still make day-to-day decisions, and with the right support, they can exercise meaningful autonomy in their lives.” For Vergara, independence means having the power to live a life that is meaningful to oneself, whether that means working at DRC or simply choosing how to spend the day. 

Anahi Espiritu, DRC’s ASL Interpretation Coordinator, reflected on disability pride as embracing diversity and uniqueness. “Before, people were almost ashamed, because it was considered taboo, but you have to show that being disabled is what makes you unique.” As someone who is both a member of and advocate for the deaf community, Espiritu emphasized the importance of allies of people with disabilities being open, compassionate, and inclusive: “Just listen to every disabled person’s story and what their needs are. Please advocate for them and make sure you include everyone, so they feel seen.” 

Elizabeth Campos, who works in DRC’s human resources department, shared her journey with disability pride. “For me, disability pride means showing up and waving your flag. I used to be ashamed of my blindness. Now, I own it. When I walk into a space, I no longer show up apologetically.”  

Campos explained that people with disabilities often bring unique skills, creativity, and tenacity to the workplace. “If a person with a disability has applied to the position, it’s because we know we can do the job. We’re ingenious, always figuring out solutions. The world works better with us because we’re always adapting, inventing, and creating ways to make things better for everyone.” 

The DRC gathering embodied the core values of Disability Pride Month by celebrating disability identity, uplifting advocacy, and building authentic community. As the AD campaign and DRC’s efforts show, Disability Pride Month is not just about honoring the past: it’s about empowering the present and shaping a more inclusive future.  

Get inspired by stories from the “Proud to Be Me” video series.