Your turn: Celebrate Disability Pride Month with diversity, inclusion

As July unfolds, we enter a time of celebration and reflection: Disability Pride Month.

This annual observance is more than just a recognition of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It is a vibrant celebration of their achievements, resilience, and the invaluable contributions they make to our communities.

At its core, Disability Pride Month is a call for inclusivity — an affirmation that disability is a natural part of human diversity deserving of recognition and respect. It challenges stereotypes and biases, promoting a society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute fully.

In our own community, organizations like The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties play a pivotal role.

We provide essential support, advocacy, and resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Through staff dedication and tireless efforts, they empower individuals to live self-determined lives and advocate for their rights.

This month, let us amplify our efforts to build a more inclusive society. It begins with understanding and embracing the diversity within our community. It involves challenging stigma and barriers that limit opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It requires us to listen to their voices, honor their stories, and ensure that everyone has equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and recreation.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let us also reflect on the progress we've made and the work that lies ahead.

Together, we can create a future where every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

To celebrate, ProjectArt artists have worked through the month of June to create an amazing mural.

It's filled with the colors of the Disability Pride flag, as well as imagery representing all disabilities.

• Green is for sensory disabilities, including the blind, deaf and deaf-blind communities
• Blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities
• White stands for non-apparent and undiagnosed disabilities
• Gold is for neurodivergence
• Red represents physical disabilities
• The sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for non-visible disabilities.
• The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, resilience, and diversity.
• The figures in the center of the mural highlight inclusivity and celebration of achievements.

The mural is on display behind The Arc offices at 2820 McFarland Road and can be viewed from Perryville as people drive by. However, everyone is welcome to stop at the office and take photos with the mural during the month of July.

You can honor Disability Pride Month by supporting organizations like The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties and by advocating for policies that promote inclusion and equality.

Together, we can build a community where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every individual is valued for their unique abilities and contributions.

Amy Newell is the executive director of The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties.