The Dual Reality of Disability Pride Month: Progress in Technology, Challenges in Law

Composite image highlighting homelessness and disability rights. Includes a Supreme Court document titled 'CITY OF GRANTS PASS, OREGON v. JOHNSON et al.,' protest signs reading 'HOUSING NOT HANDCUFFS' in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, and a person sleeping on a bench, framed by a pink shape.

For over three decades, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been the cornerstone of ensuring rights and access for millions of Americans with disabilities. However, a quick glimpse at recent headlines reveals just how much work remains to be done to create true equality and access.

One area where we’ve seen significant progress is in the realm of technology and accessibility. Platforms like Yelp have introduced new features to make the world more accessible. Recently, Yelp announced the launch of AI-powered alt text and new ways to search for accessible businesses. These features, introduced in collaboration with American Association of People with Disabilities, Disability:IN, and The Arc of the United States allow users to search for businesses with braille menus, ADA-compliant buildings, and closed captioning on bar TVs. As Yelp’s Senior Vice President of Product, Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, stated, “With these new accessibility attributes, we’re excited to help businesses more clearly indicate their inclusive practices to make it even easier for people to find the right business for them.”​

Despite these advancements, recent legal developments underscore the ongoing challenges we face. The Supreme Court's decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which permits criminal penalties for people experiencing homelessness, disproportionately impacts those with disabilities. As disability rights lawyer Evan Monod writes for Slate Magazine, “At the trial court level, multiple people submitted declarations that they were not able to stay at the only shelter in Grants Pass because of their disqualifying disabilities." Justice Sotomayor’s dissent emphasized the critical issue: “Grants Pass’s Ordinances criminalize being homeless. The status of being homeless (lacking available shelter) is defined by the very behavior singled out for punishment (sleeping outside)”​

This decision echoes a dark chapter in U.S. history, where laws effectively criminalized disability. Monod highlights how “ugly laws” once prohibited disabled people from existing in public spaces, a practice that was deemed unconstitutional but seems to be resurfacing in different forms today​.

Disability Pride Month is not just a time to celebrate but also to recognize the work that remains. While we embrace technological advancements that make our world more accessible, we must also confront the systemic barriers that continue to exist.

These incidents are not isolated. They highlight the gap between the promise of the ADA and its real-world enforcement. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let's remember that advocacy is an ongoing journey. We need to hold institutions accountable and push for policies that ensure equal access and inclusion for all.’

The Supreme Court Just Opened the Door to the Criminalization of Disability

Adaptable, Flexible, Unstoppable: Eddie Ndopu's Message of Hope and Strength

Time Magazine Person of the Week Cover with Eddie Ndopu

In our journey through life, I find myself reflecting on the dual narratives that society often imposes on those with disabilities. On one hand, there's the story of overcoming, of achieving not because of our challenges but in spite of them. On the other, there's the reality we live every day: it's not our disabilities that hinder us, but society's ableist attitudes and approaches.

Eddie Ndopu, a United Nations and disability advocate living with spinal muscular atrophy encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. As he rightly points out in a recent interview with TIME, "disability has been the greatest offering and gift of my life." It's a sentiment I resonate with deeply. Our challenges make us adaptable, flexible, and give us a unique lens through which we view the world.

However, the societal narrative often deviates from this perspective. We're told there's a "standard" way of doing things, and any deviation is seen as "special." Requests for reasonable accommodations or basic access rights are often met with resistance, with claims of high costs or the unfairness of providing for one and not for all. This mindset fails to distinguish between equity and equality. While equality ensures everyone gets the same resources, equity ensures everyone gets the resources they need to succeed. And for those facing challenges, this often means working twice as hard for half the recognition.

The truth is, as Eddie Ndopu highlights, "the more barriers that I have been able to break down, the more barriers have awaited me on the other side." This resonates deeply with me. Despite our accomplishments, we're still faced with systemic inequalities and prejudices. We're often seen as "less than" or "incapable" due to our challenges. But as Eddie and countless others have shown, our challenges can be our greatest strengths.

In many ways, living with disabilities is like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. As soon as one challenge is overcome, another pops up. But it's essential to keep the conversation going. The more we talk about our experiences, advocate for our rights, and normalize these discussions in all spheres of life, the closer we get to a world where challenges, accommodations, and access are seen as standard, not special.

As we continue to advocate, let's remember that our challenges don't define us – they refine us. They make us stronger, more resilient, and more empathetic. And as we push for a more inclusive world, let's celebrate not just our achievements but the unique perspectives and strengths that come with our experiences.

Eddie Ndopu on How Disability Helped Him Rethink Excellence

Ableism: The Unseen Challenge in the Life of Disabled Individuals

Wheelchair user in front of staircase barrier

Today I want to talk about ableism, a societal bias that favors able-bodied individuals and often results in discrimination against disabled people.

Ableism is pervasive and often subtle, making it a difficult challenge to overcome. As Andrew Pulrang writes in Forbes, "Most disabled people...know that they can run into ableism any day, any time, in any situation." This includes "awkward or insulting encounters" that can ruin an otherwise accessible event or outing.

From my personal experience, I can attest to the truth of Pulrang's words. As a wheelchair user with a visual impairment and an awesome service dog, (thanks, Canine Companions® Pico!), I've faced my share of ableist comments and attitudes. These experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a broader societal issue that needs addressing.

In academia, where I first learned to advocate for myself, I encountered resistance to providing accommodations that would level the playing field. The argument was that these accommodations provided an "unfair advantage." But this perspective is rooted in ableism, failing to recognize that these accommodations merely provide equal access to education.

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act guarantees the right to free public education and appropriate special education services. Yet, despite these protections, disabled students often have to fight for their rights to be upheld.

The fight against ableism extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of daily life. From navigating physical spaces to dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, people with disabilities must constantly strategize and plan for obstacles that others may not even consider.

This Disability Pride Month, let's commit to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. Let's challenge ableist attitudes and work toward creating environments where people of all abilities can thrive without having to fight for their rights continually.

Remember, disability rights are human rights. Let's end ableism, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Together, we can create a world that truly values and respects all of its citizens.

#DisabilityPrideMonth #AccessibilityIsARight #EndAbleism #PromoteInclusion #CelebrateDiversity

Embracing Our Identities: A Message to My Disabled Peers

The disability pride flag. Five vertical bands (Green, Blue, White, Yellow, Red) on a Black background.

As we roll into Disability Pride Month, I want to send a message of love and empowerment to my fellow disabled individuals. As a wheelchair user and service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, I know the challenges we face in a world that often seems designed without us in mind.

Keely Cat-Wells, in her Forbes article beautifully captures the essence of what I want to convey: “Be proud. Navigating this world filled with ableism is tough and navigating our conditions can also be a challenge. I am constantly learning that we can be proud of being Disabled and yet still have a complicated relationship with our disabilities.”

Yes, let’s be proud. Our disabilities are a part of who we are, and they shape our experiences and perspectives. We have the right to celebrate our lives, our achievements, and our identities as disabled individuals.

But let’s also acknowledge that it’s okay to have a complicated relationship with our disabilities. It’s okay to have days when we struggle. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be human.

Relationships with disabilities are complex. There are days I wouldn't trade it for anything, and there are days I'm frustrated, exhausted, and left without spoons simply due to the overwhelm of daily management.

This month, let’s also celebrate the change-makers among us. Let’s honor the tireless work of disabled activists who have paved the way for a more inclusive society. People like Emily Ladau, Kristen Parisi, Nikki Nolan, Maria Town, Nadia Bodkin, Rebecca Cokley, Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf), Jake Hytken, Julie Harris, Tiffany A. Yu, MSc and Jamie Shields who have been relentless in their advocacy for disability rights. I owe so much of my own strength to them and countless others for their wisdom and wit surrounding disability. Our community is one of continued support, encouragement, and shared experiences for which I will be forever grateful.

Let’s use this upcoming month to not only celebrate but also to educate. Let’s share our stories, our challenges, and our triumphs. Let’s show the world the beauty, diversity, and strength of the disabled community.

And to our non-disabled allies, we ask you to join us in this celebration. Listen to our stories, support our causes, and work with us to build a world that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Celebrating Disability Pride Month: What's Your Role?