Unapologetic Disability Pride

July 21, 2026

The idea of Disability Pride can be a broad one. Expressing pride can look and sound different for all of us, especially in relation to our disabilities. In celebration of Disability Pride Month AWN will focus on being unapologetically proud and confident in yourself, your disabilities, and identities.

Learning to Live Proudly with Your Disability

Disability Pride Month lives at the delicate balance of acknowledging both our successes and challenges. With every anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, our community cheers for all the progress we’ve made while recognizing how much work still needs to be done in achieving disability rights and justice. From both perspectives, it becomes natural to justify or prove the worth of people with disabilities.

These illustrations of our humanity and worth are not only necessary but beautiful. Still, AWN wants to reassure our community that you have the right to express your disability unapologetically and proudly. Without any justification or permission. On any scale, you deserve to live confidently. From quietly reaffirming yourself with positive self-talk to amplifying your voice or your art on the biggest platform possible.

While existing in an ableist, sexist society that works to make us feel ashamed of our disabilities and gender, it is understandable to be uncomfortable in your skin, dimming the brightest parts of you. With the current threats to our rights and civil liberties, this can even become a form of protection.

“Confronting shame—and accepting my disability—with Judy Heumann” unpacks the shame that we may feel being disabled. The article details how disability rights activist Judith “Judy” Heumann, exemplifies living confidently while being disabled, knowing there is nothing to be ashamed of.

“Non-disabled people wanted us to be shaped in their image. Instead, we began to think about the world as we believed it should be. We saw—and still see—that the ways we do and want to do things strengthens society. As we gained confidence in who we were and in what we wanted and believed in, we became empowered and confident.”

AWN’s Recent Work in Honor of Disability Pride

Every day our organization is actively advocating for the acceptance, justice, and civil rights you deserve to express your pride safely and freely. We are continuing to sign policy letters in support of disability accessibility, reinvesting in Medicaid, and disability voting rights.

Last month, AWN also sponsored a quiet room at a local community center event in Stanwood-Camano. The event promoted literacy in preschool and school-age children. Children were able to get a free book, read to a therapy dog, and play in a playground area while listening to music. AWN’s quiet room gave children an opportunity to relax and have an accessible break during all the festivities.