Supporting Disability-Related Causes During Disability Pride Month: Making a Difference

While Disability Pride Month offers an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the voices of individuals with disabilities, it’s important to extend our support beyond the month of July. If you haven’t yet, please check out our previous article on this topic, that dives into the purpose and history of Disability Pride Month.

Here are some meaningful ways you can contribute to disability-related causes and make a lasting impact:

Volunteer to Support Disability Causes: 

Look for local organizations or community centers that support individuals with disabilities. Volunteer your time and skills to assist with programs, events, or activities that promote inclusion and empowerment.

Advocate for Accessibility: 

Speak up for accessibility in your community. Raise awareness about the importance of accessible infrastructure, transportation, and public spaces. Engage with local authorities and organizations to ensure that accessibility is prioritized in urban planning and development.

Donate to Disability-Focused Charities: 

Contribute to disability-focused organizations, nonprofits, or charities that provide crucial support services, advocacy, and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families. Even small donations can make a significant difference.

Here are 10 organizations that work tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Supporting them can make a significant impact in advancing disability causes and improving the lives of those affected.

1. Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics): Special Olympics is a global movement that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports training and competitions. They promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect for people of all abilities.

2. National Down Syndrome Society (@NDSS): NDSS is a nonprofit organization that works to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. They provide support, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by Down syndrome.

3. Autism Speaks (@autismspeaks): Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions for individuals with autism and advocating for their rights. They fund research, raise awareness, and provide support to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.

4. The Arc (@TheArcUS): The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. They provide services, support, and resources to improve the lives of people with IDD.

5. Best Buddies International (@bestbuddies): Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that fosters friendships and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They create opportunities for social interaction, Employment, and leadership development.

6. United Cerebral Palsy (@UCPnational): UCP is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. They offer programs and services focused on independence, inclusion, and advocacy.

7. Muscular Dystrophy Association (@MDAorg): MDA is a leading organization in the fight against muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. They fund research, provide support services, and advocate for individuals affected by these conditions.

8. Cerebral Palsy Foundation (@yourcpf): CPF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives for people with cerebral palsy. They focus on research, Education, and community engagement to improve outcomes for individuals with CP.

9. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (@mssociety): The National MS Society is committed to improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. They fund research, provide support services, and advocate for policies that benefit individuals with MS.

10. The American Association of People with Disabilities (@AAPD): AAPD is the largest cross-disability organization in the United States. They promote equal opportunity, economic empowerment, and independent living for individuals with disabilities through advocacy and public policy.

Educate Yourself Around Disabilities: 

Take the initiative to educate yourself about various disabilities, their unique challenges, and the barriers individuals face. Read books, articles, and personal stories. Attend webinars or workshops that promote disability awareness and understanding.

Support Inclusive Businesses: 

Choose to support businesses and companies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Patronize establishments that have taken steps to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, such as accessible entrances, restrooms, and customer service training.

Amplify Voices of People with Disabilities: 

Use your platform, whether it’s social media, a blog, or your personal network, to amplify the voices and stories of individuals with disabilities. Share their experiences, challenges, and achievements to foster greater awareness and understanding.

Engage in Dialogue: 

Engage in open and respectful conversations about disability-related topics. Seek out opportunities to learn from individuals with disabilities, their families, and disability advocates. Be willing to listen, ask questions, and challenge your own assumptions.

Promote Inclusion: 

Take proactive steps to promote inclusion in your daily life. Ensure that your workplace, school, or community spaces are accessible and welcoming. Advocate for inclusive policies and practices that prioritize the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Foster Empathy and Acceptance: 

Cultivate a mindset of empathy and acceptance towards individuals with disabilities. Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of their abilities. Challenge ableist language, attitudes, and stereotypes whenever you encounter them.

Be an Ally: 

Stand alongside individuals with disabilities as an ally. Offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear. Educate others about the importance of disability rights and inclusion. Advocate for inclusive policies and practices within your spheres of influence.

Remember, supporting disability-related causes is an ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. By taking action and supporting these causes, we can collectively create positive change, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest.

Disability Pride Month serves as a significant time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and achievements of individuals with disabilities. By embracing disability pride, challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusion, spreading awareness, and promoting education, we can collectively create a society that recognizes the value and dignity of every individual. Let us stand together to celebrate diversity, promote empowerment, and work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of ability, can live with equality, dignity, and pride.

Together, let’s work towards a world where everyone is valued, respected, and included, regardless of their abilities.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.