Did you know that the first Disability Pride Day event was held at Boston Commons on October 6, 1990? Over four hundred people were in attendance. The celebration marked the signing of the Americans with Disability Act, which was signed into law on July 26 of that same year. This civil rights law gave disabled people more access to their communities, opportunities to enter the workforce, and protection from discrimination.
October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). During this month, employers acknowledge that disabled workers can and do strengthen the economy. It also reminds them of the importance of inclusion in hiring practices. In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word physically was dropped to include all types of disabilities. In 1988, the month was renamed National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The idea that employing people with disabilities was novel in 1945 is incredible. The phrasing may seem outdated, but it was an important step forward for the disability community.
From Where I Sit
In keeping with celebrating disability justice and advocacy in October, the Institute on Disability, ABLE NH, and People First of NH are hosting the Advocate NH Conference and the 3rd Annual Disability Justice Parade. The conference theme is The Art of Advocacy, and it will include a community art activity that can be used the next day at the parade.
So come join advocates, like me, from around the state on October 4, 2024, at the Concord Holiday Inn. We’ll learn about personal finance, accessible housing, and employment-related issues. You can also connect with fellow advocates on issues that are important to you. Hope to see you there!
IMAGE: Original artwork by Maureen Rashifard for the 2024 Advocate NH Conference. Maureen will lead a collaborative art project, during which attendees will create signs for advocates to use in the Disability Justice Parade the following day. Maureen is the owner of Atomic Beet, where she creates beautiful block-prints. She is also Chair of the NH Universal Changing Station Alliance, where she advocates for the installation of universal changing tables across the state.
