Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and contributions of people with disabilities. Every July, we take this opportunity to collectively promote visibility, raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs of the disabled community, and advocate for the dignity, respect, and inclusion for all.

This year’s celebration coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation has been instrumental in ensuring the civil rights of disabled individuals, aiming to prohibit the discrimination of those with disabilities and help promote accessibility in all areas of public life.

Breaking the Stigma: Why Disability Pride Matters for Everyone

This month is not just about acknowledging progress. While its origins are from a piece of US legislation, it’s now a worldwide initiative about affirming the pride and identity of individuals with disabilities. We shine a light on the social, economic, and cultural disparities that still exist for the disabled community — simply put, it's about re-branding the word "disability.” 

Discord’s Brain & Body Works Employee Resource Group (previously known as the DisAbilities ERG)  is committed to building belonging for all kinds of bodies and minds. Disability Pride Month encourages us to see disability as a natural part of human diversity, and the Brain & Body Works ERG was created to build intentional safe spaces for people, regardless of ability status, and to advocate for the needs of physically disabled folks and neurodivergent individuals. 

In honor of Disability Pride month, Discord and the Brain & Body Works ERG will be donating to three important organizations that support, advocate for, and help to create a more inclusive and equitable world for disabled communities globally: Canine Companions, Able Gamers, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Technology.

We built Discord with accessibility in mind, making sure anyone can easily talk with their friends and communities, no matter the “how.” See some of our work at discord-webhook-relay-6q9nx.thz.cool/accessibility. 

Want to help make Discord better for everyone? Check out our jobs board and come join us on our journey to make Discord a place where everyone can find belonging online.