For many individuals with disabilities, the idea of pride and disability together might seem like uncharted territory. Society has long made us feel ‘less than’ and filled with shame for simply embracing our disabled identity. The truth is, we are incredible beings with unique strengths, but sometimes, the need for ‘accommodations’ or special services can trigger that internalized shame.

So how can we as a community celebrate and elevate Disability Pride? How can we work together to change the outdated perception that these two words don’t and shouldn’t belong together? A great start is by sharing the Disability Pride flag! The Disability Pride Flag was created by Ann Magill, a disabled woman, and each of its elements symbolizes a different part of the disability community.

• The faded black background represents “the anger and mourning over the eugenics and the neglect that disabled people have to fight against.”
• Red represents physical disabilities.
• Gold is for neurodiversity.
• White represents invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed.
• Blue stands for emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression.
• Green is for sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities.

The inclusive approach of the flag honors the meaning behind Disability Pride. Everyone is welcome to get involved, take part and celebrate pride in themselves and this fabulous, diverse and unique identity called Disability.