The Struggles With Disability Pride

The Struggles With Disability Pride
July is Disability Pride Month. It’s to celebrate the passing of the ADA (Americans with disability Act). But also so much more.
Disability is not about “Celebrating becoming or being disabled” It’s about celebrating and being proud of the relentless work of the disability activists who have worked and continue to work and fight for basic rights and equality.
It’s about being proud of yourself for showing up everyday, and navigating and ableist and inaccessible world.
It’s about being proud of our strong community.
But it’s tiring, and disheartening, when companies who promote inclusivity and use disabled talent, don’t show their support during disability pride month. Especially when they have done previous years. Talk about a slap in the face with a big wet trout!
💎About me:
I’m Gem, and after my spinal cord injury at the age of 9, • ♿️HEART SURGERY PARALY... my life has taken me on many twists and turns, and finally led me to combine my passions of media and disability advocacy, and💫Wheelsnoheels was born.
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[@Wheelsnoheels]

Watch the full video here m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXKQi6V8ecqprdk how are you celebrating pride this year?? ❤

[@GenaChiasson-gz8xy]

Thank you for your educational video. My company is celebrating disability pride month!!

[@jicolourist]

I think The problem is adding the word ‘pride’ which seems to always be associated with the gay community. As a disabled person I also assumed disability pride was celebrating the disabled gay community not just the Disabled community. So thank you for educating me.

[@Chirpingcherub]

I get that I think calling it “disability history month” could be better as there is already an awareness month in a different month

[@Nitaseyboldsault161]

Disability awareness month Also Chang the pink in the flag to red Pink white and blue represent trans and or youth attracted people eww

[@We_play_games623]

😂😂😂😂

[@TwinFalls88]

You know. Actually there should be what's called SOLIDARITY* between GLBTQIA & people with disabilities. United in a fight for greater rights. Stronger united together.

[@andrews3642]

I'm physically disabled and in a wheelchair myself. I have to admit you're right. I was furious about it yesterday when I found out about the flag and the month and all that good stuff. I mean I literally am the elephant in the room and I don't need an effing flag to remind me of that. I have to agree that after learning the reasons and all I mean I understand it but pride is definitely the wrong word. I still don't like it either which way but I mean not really anything I can do about it either way so whatever I guess.

[@royal.bumble]

I'm honestly kinda bummed that so much of disability pride awareness seems to have faded away. I love our flag, I'm really so proud of how much my disabled body accomplishes despite everything and I'd just love to see more awareness in general. I honestly just want to see more awareness and celebration of how disabled people show up and contribute in whatever ways they can. We're such a large minority group that to be completely ignored by companies really sucks. How much medical equipment is marketed predominantly to elderly people, when disabled people come in all ages and sizes. It's just frustrating.

[@kortneykennedy7303]

Can I play with your body on tex

[@thelittleatari9664]

Hi, as someone with an invisible and not so invisible disability, I found out about our Pride Month via the Discord company. They are a non disabled communication company used by gamers all over the world. I thought that was prettty huge but also sad that I as a disabled person didnt even know there was such a thing. Thankyou for this video! ♥️

[@christineking8860]

im on discord as a gamer. i didnt know they had anything to do with disability awarness .... BUT.. Im treated with respect and total understanding during games. I am a little slow on the reading and forget from game to game how its played, even on same day. I know first hand behind the seans these people are just the same in person, so that means no tut tuts in private behind our backs. Ive been to our local gaming events run by sons friend and son involved too. They use me as their " will this work" for venue access and layoout. A brilliant organisation that should be very proud of themselves. Hereford England.

[@imogenoliver]

I didn’t know until about a week ago though I am so glad that we have a pride month. I’m just thinking too, that you would think after June being LGBTQIA pride month that it would be really easy to just switch everything over to disability pride month posters, profile pictures etc instead of just changing it all back to normal at the end of June.

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@thelittleatari9664, to be honest, it isn't that well advertised in most places.

[@johnbethea4505]

I would like to thank all those who have we disabled people over the years...You have done a great job...

[@tessahowes7789]

I wish DPM would get way more recognition. Gay pride receives more recognition. Yet world- wide there is a greater percentage of disabled persons. Disabled rights have come a long way, but we have so far to go until we receive true equality.

[@cinaelliott]

I had not registered that it was Disability Pride Month until yesterday. I really appreciate this video Gem! I felt seen. I have invisible disabilities (mostly chronic pain) and I have spent a lot of my life hiding it. I appreciated it when you said, "Yeah, this actually sucks, but hang on a minute, look what I've achieved." Another area that maybe you could highlight sometime down the road is the frustrations of dealing with food allergies and/or sensitivities. There are just places I don't even bother to try and eat out at because I know there isn't food I can eat safely. Again, thank you Gem!

[@redsorgum]

How about ”disability awareness” month instead of pride? That would be perfect time for disabled people to share some of the struggles they have, and also some of the successes they have. ✌️🤘🏻

[@cate8752]

I agree about the awareness rather than pride particularly as the lgbtqi have literally just had their pride month. It feels like it's the wrong term to use.

[@kellym.7113]

Because we are already aware of our disabilities. What’s wrong with being proud of ourselves?

[@HighTen_Melanie]

That’s exactly what I was thinking before read your comment. I agree with you entirely.

[@PrincessAcornHair]

@@kellym.7113 Maybe both?

[@philippalee5468]

I’d far prefer ‘awareness’ rather than ‘pride’ as the word has been unofficially appropriated, and ingrained unconsciously in people’s minds with LGB-TQ+xyz.

[@oxfamshop]

I must admit Disability was not the thing that came to mind when I saw the heading. I thought it would be LBGTQ with disabled people represented

[@Worldwheelchairwarriors]

Good job Gem! Thanks for mentioning the ADA, certainly a huge accomplishment over here in the US. And yes, we still have a long way to go!

[@TheMazinoz]

I'd never heard of it until Gem mentioned it. Haven't seen much activity about it in Australia. Maybe it's more an American event. Also disabled people often have little energy and a lot of pain, making organising and attending hard

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Although the US passed this law first (33 years ago), we haven’t continued making progress-more of a one & done. The US needs to step it up and not think of it as doing extra for disabled people but doing its best for everyone at the same time. There’s no reason housing developers can’t make accessible/adaptable homes and neighborhoods.

[@TheMazinoz]

@@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi The new home units, buildings and bus stations in Brisbane Qld are being made accessible as far as I can see, but there are historical buildings and older ones that just weren't designed that way. My bugbear is I need a ground floor unit or house or villa, but now the trend is to two townhouses replacing a house which is pulled down. Also many houses are Qld style two storey ones to start with. Not helping anyone with a disability or in wheelchair who wants to live on flat ground in their own place, not government housing or a unit with a lift.

[@kortneykennedy7303]

@@Worldwheelchairwarriors can I play with your body all day on text

[@kortneykennedy7303]

@@Worldwheelchairwarriors can I play with your body down that Al day

[@kadindefranza2478]

I had 2 weddings to photograph this past weekend. Neither location was accessible in the least. My husband, who is the main photographer with our company, had to carry my wheelchair up and down the stairs for me.

[@SusiesOnTheScene]

I never knew that there was a disability pride month. Thanks for mentioning the Crip Camp movie, I will watch it immediately.

[@TheMazinoz]

It's funny and inspiring. Ah the 70s!

[@wearenotdoinggethelp3333]

My local library has a display for disability pride this year! I was so happy when I saw it yesterday. i have decided this month that I am going to tell my friends about it, and make sure I will give myself the accommodations I need.

[@ToeIn2194]

My library does this too.

[@vm1776]

Thank you for sharing information about this. My children have developmental disabilities and I had assumed that disability pride wouldn't be inclusive of those invisible disabilities, because there is a difference in society as to how visible and invisible disabilites are viewed/treated. I should have made the connection that disability pride is for both, after all I'm going to an inclusion festival next weekend which has both in mind. My kids acknowledge that they would have a difficult time in school without the accomodations that they receive, but they don't like the label of having a disability because in their mind, that means that there's something wrong with them. I tell them that the term disabled is just a label and that the label is a tool for getting the help that they need and while we'd like to not be labeled we accept it to gain the help that it provides. As I recover from surgery and have a temporary handicapped parking tag, I hope this will sink in more to my kids; some days I park in handicapped because I need that help, some days I park a little further because while I could use the help, there's not many spaces and someone may need it more, if I'm on the move all day then I'll need the wheelchair, but most of the time I'm using a cane now; there's degrees of disabled and what's needed is different for different people and maybe even different days/situations.

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@vm1776, I am glad you pointed this out. Too often, those with invisible disabilities(I am epileptic, diabetic, and have gi issues personally) get labeled as lazy or disruptive, and sometimes as just plain weird. I see very capable individuals who just need to find their own way. A couple of states do offer low cost college tuition for disabled students, and all offer some disability services, so those accommodations can last well into college. I hope it will only get better. We can have all of the things able bodied people can have, but we may just have to go about it a little differently.

[@SamirCCat]

I'm not an English native speaker and I wonder a bit what she meant by "mental disabilities". Does she mean intellectual disabilities that affect the IQ? Or does she mean mental, as in psychiatric, illnesses? I suffer from bipolar disorder, ADHD and other shit, to the point of me being chronically unable to work, so I do consider myself disabled. What are psychiatric illnesses called? Are we the "mental disabilities"? What is "cognitive disabilities" that she talked about? I don't understand the differences between these...

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@SamirCCat , cognitive disabilities include ones that can affect intellect. These are ones that affect how the brain processes information. Mental disabilities are inclusive of mental illness, or psychological disorders.

[@vm1776]

@@SamirCCat from your description, I would say that you are disabled. I've been told that where I live ADHD, and OCD don't qualify as disabled but Autism, learning disabilities, and/or low IQ do. I personally think that my child's OCD is more of a disability than her autism and hopefully someday inclusion and understanding will expand to better help all. I don't know if cognitive disabilites are classified the same everywhere but the schools where I live list them as learning disabilities, IQ below a certain number, autism, and I"m not sure if the list is longer than that. ADHD and OCD are viewed as psychiatric and I assume bipolar would as well and I know students who receive some accomodations for those conditions, I've gotten the impression that help is not mandated. I think psychiatric is less understood and still has a stigma to it so as a parent of children with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities, I will emphasize the cognitive need over the psychiatric when making a request for accomodation.

[@SamirCCat]

@@vm1776 Oh, yes I'm certainly disabled. I get disability money from the government since I can't work, so what else am I supposed to call it? It's tricky with names! In my country I've heard that ADHD, Autism and learning disabilities are "neuropsychiatric disabilities", but bipolar disorder is a "psychiatric illness". To me my bipolar disorder disables me just as much as my ADHD (or more). And the combination is what makes it so unstable all the time for me. Some people talk about ADHD as a gift and super power (which it certainly isn't to me), but I've never heard that about bipolar or depression, let alone intellectual/cognitive disabilities. It's weird that we view these things so incredibly different, with different stigma and prejudice, when it's all just a brain that doesn't function the way it's supposed to/like everyone else's. I wish brain disorders would be as un-dramatic as, I don't know, kidney disease. You never blame someone for kidney cancer, but you blame people for being depressed, inattentive or struggling to read/write. I hope your daughter gets better! OCD is a painful thing to go through, I've seen it in others. I hope she gets the help she needs and that her symptoms decreases ❤

[@Poohtle]

I’ve been disabled all of my adult life and never knew about Disability pride and when I found out I thought it was literally for the lbqt community to celebrate any disability they had. Thank you for enlightening me.

[@MonaCooks]

I think disability is seen as anti-aspirational. We're not seen as a "cool" group to support, basically, so we get a lot less traction than other groups. There is also a lot less blowback when people say or do ableist things, since that stuff is still the norm. There's not the same level of social pressure on able people to fight ableism as there is for them to speak up for/get educated on other groups. I think that's why so many "inclusive" spaces are still extremely ableist. So, while it's disheartening to see disability pride go unnoticed by able people it doesn't surprise me! I also get the sense that a lot of able people think disabled people have it easier than able people and get "special treatment". I think that's how we get tropes in movies and tv shows of a character pretending to need a wheelchair in order to get a job or win a contest, even though 70% of disabled people are unemployed or under-employed. Or how many of us get IRL comments about being "lucky" we "don't have to" work, or walk, or whatever other basic thing that actually makes life much harder. I think this delusion mixed with us being an "uncool" type of minority is why there's very limited support from those outside the community. FWIW I think you've done a ton in the disability space, and you definitely have for me personally. You were the first disability activist I ever found online and it changed my world because I was used to being the only one (I'm also disabled since childhood, what a ride that is, lol). Happy Disability Pride! :)

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@MonaCooks, interesting fact, there quite a few disabled performers out there, many who have invisible disabilities. I would say that alone makes us a lot cooler than people would assume. I think the problem is that it comes down to how the conversation is framed, and unfortunately, as you have noted, the general public rarely sees a side to the conversation that isn't ableist.

[@MonaCooks]

​@@bradleyolinger1691 Yes, the framing of the conversation is the problem! There are loads of disabled people doing all sorts of incredible things in the world.

[@TwinFalls88]

Keep up the good Fight ✊️ It's high time other minority groups engage in [Solidarity] with people with disabilities. GLBTQIA & Juneteenth from June should carry that spirit forward unending - into July - to champion these other comrades in the fight for Freedom & Equity 👏

[@ElicBehexan]

My wife was visually impaired. Her aunt, who had been a bit of a religious idiot, used to tell her that if she prayed hard enough God would give her back her sight. My wife's vision was a birth defect, a genetic one, praying was never going to give 'back' something she never had. I have fibromyalgia, I also fractured my heels and, like so many things in my life, I never fully healed from them. I can walk, but not far nor very fast. I have a lot of problems standing for any amount of time. Yes, I look healthy, but I'm in pain all the time. I take some strong medicine that just tamps it down to a level but I often awaken before my alarm because of the pain. I may not look disabled... but...

[@liska_dae]

I had not heard of Disability Pride. I'm so glad it does, though I have trouble finding the energy to do more than share things like this. Enjoy the month, and hopefully we can keep the momentum going.

[@kortneykennedy7303]

@@liska_dae take your clothes off all the way

[@peterbumper2769]

Gem, there are days when one of your videos has landed and has lifted my day. I am probably not the only one. You have helped more people than you will ever know

[@lisakarczewski]

I second that!

[@DreamyImagination101]

Let's celebrate years forward! 2024 and more! 😃 As an neurodivergent (autistic) person, I'm genuinely surprised we have a flag! I had no idea! Thank you for educating me on this! I'm definitely spreading the word. 🙂👍

[@ChelleOnWheels]

I didn't know anything about disability pride month, but I'm not exactly sure about the flag. It looks a lot like the flag from last month's pride community. It's not unique enough in my opinion.

[@tomlee252]

I am multi-disabled, I am wheelchair user, I am legally blind, hearing loss, stroke, and suffer from CPSTD, my youngest has Autism, holding it together mentally, and the challenges of just getting from A to B and back, and other obstacles, we make everyday tasks look easy, most do not realize how much effort it takes to do the simplest things, this is the first time I have heard of Disability Pride, for me the disability comes from those with the ability to not give much thought about those with the disabilities

[@jamienevill1768]

Thanks for posting. I'm proud to be a member of the disabled community. However, because I have mostly hidden disabilities and use a stick for balance issues which 'Aren't Real' according to critics, I'm considered as 'Not Disabled Enough!' by both doctors and people. This sort of attitude doesn't help our community. As it stands at present, if people saw a Disability Pride March in my home city, they would probably think "Oh no. Not another protest march!" or "Have that lot got nothing better to do?" or even "Can't they all go back to their care homes or asylums where they belong?!?" I've also not seen any of our MPs supporting anything disability related unless there was a photo opportunity in it. I've found that big corporations only support things when it suits THEIR agenda. Afterwards, the thing gets put back in a box or cupboard until their marketing team thinks it will be of benefit to them again! Sending Spoonie Hugs and Love 🥄🤗💜

[@imogenoliver]

I had no idea about disability pride until about a week ago. I’ve never seen any company promote or support disability pride here in Australia. This is the first time someone has explained or even shown me the correct disability pride flag. I love the flag and it’s calm, not overstimulating colours. Thank you for sharing this information and about how disability pride even came to be. Side note: we need more pride flag emojis, there is currently only the gay flag and I think it’s the trans flag. We need more, including the disability flag.

[@johnmckay999]

Thanks Gem, there is not so much awareness of ADA awareness and it’s nice to have someone 6000 miles away to update myself on Disability activism. 7 years ago I met Judith H in a local neighborhood library, very conscientious woman and was saddened with her passing a few years ago.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hi John. Thank you for the super. What an honour to have met Judith. Very sad to learn of her passing 😔💗

[@Joe0406]

👍😁 much appreciated. thank you Gem

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you for your Gemazing support 😀

[@doloreszombory9415]

Your video clips of protests and the struggle for access were helpful to me as I’m trying to understand more about Disability Pride month. I worked with adults with developmental disabilities back in the 1990’s. At the time, “people first” was the language to use, ie: “He is an artist who uses a wheelchair instead of “The wheelchair bound guy”. The Deaf community did not use this language as I understand it was important to put this disability out there first in order to be clear about communication needs, culture and so much more that I can’t say I completely understand. I’ve found myself on a planning committee for Disability Pride month at work because I wanted to learn something. I’ve been told by disabled people that they are proud of their disability and I did not understand that but want to. Remembering that the ADA was passed in 1990 and that most people think Disability Pride month is a NEW thing is what really hits home for me. I did not know it existed until this year. How do we go beyond increasing awareness and educating the public and workplace about the history of the ADA and simply just celebrate for the sake of being proud of one’s self, period? That seems to be the challenge. Just thinking out loud here to continue learning.

[@wooster_wheels]

Thank you for this video. I was reminded about how much I have achieved, I am a double leg amputee and I live independently. That alone is a big accomplishment. You make some very good points. We do need more visibility. I am gay and didn't do anything to celebrate pride last month because the venues are not accessible. So maybe this month, I can make a difference. Keep making great videos.

[@demeterontheinternet]

We need to have these conversations more ❤ I have weird feelings as a queer disabled person who doesn’t like big companies being hypocritical 😂 I was trying to write it out but very tired right now and probably not going to explain it well. Quick disclaimer: I don’t think pride is just for the queer community. My weird feelings are how well the relationship with “allies” esp commercial ones has gone. Pride is currently inaccessible for me in my current location and balance of body/aid. In the current world and climate, we need some big uniting thing people can recognise us with to push for what we need.

[@Joe0406]

Great work again. 👏💪💯thank you

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you for the support

[@michelleswanson6347]

I'm not feeling disability pride strong this year, but a big factor in that is dealing with my spouse being unemployed and all of the problems that come with that where we live. The US really needs to improve a lot of our government programs because if you lose a job here, you often lose your health insurance, unemployment doesn't cover enough, etc. I have both a physical chronic illness as well as some mental health disabilities, and I can't afford to see a therapist at one of the most stressful times in my adult life. I have tried many times to search for help and can't find any that apply to my family because there just isn't enough where I live.

[@dougbrown7150]

I heard of disability pride for the first time a week ago. I'm an l3-4 para and tbh. Kind of gagged a little. Still sort of roll my eyes every time I hear it

[@georgecurtis6463]

At a rally in Sacramento I went to a talk or seminar. There the lady who worked hard to get the ada passed along with Bush gave a talk. I didnt know she had passed. Here in the states we have disability awareness month which is October. My group used to set up ways for folks to experiance differant forms of disabilities. I did the wheelchair tour. I was not easy on folks ! But yea, folks really learned. The reason it's hard to do things is first dealing with permits and such. Then getting the word out and all the costs involved. But the worst thing was the lack of participation of those that are disabled. I'm removed from it all now after putting in over 15 years.

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

I am not disabled but I have 2 sons who are autistic who fake being neurotypical everyday. And for them what hurts me the most is that being autistic is the new insult that replaced being stupid even if many autistic people are more then intelligent (here in Québec, Canada, I don,t know if it,s the same elsewhere). So when a teen wants to insult another one that is doing something stupid they say "You are so autistic" and stuff like that. It makes their disability into an insult or bad joke.

[@PrincessAcornHair]

OMG LITERALLY! I live in quebec and I can confirm all the raqauil teenagers within a 10 mile radius will laugh uncontrollably for no reason if they hear the word "autiste"

[@rhyssaunders9863]

I was excited to see what was going on near me this year and hoping to go to something, then I couldn't find anything. It feels like it just... got cancelled or something.

[@MelissaMorales-y6w]

I didn't know that there was a disability pride month. I'm so grateful for how things has changed for the disable. I've been in a wheelchair since 2018 and some are harder than other days. Gem I love to watch all your videos they really help me❤

[@kathrynambler1658]

Hi Gem....I have been watching you for years....I had no idea about disability pride...but just so you know and share, I am proudest of the way I have to constantly improvise in order to navigate our world...also you have inspired me to travel..doing the Great Lakes to Niagra Falls from Milwaukee Wi.

[@tiania2658]

Happy Disability Pride Month. The shame must go ! When I was a child in the 60's so many children and adults were treated like a burden on society. There were even kennels type hospitals where mentally handicap were isolated and treated like animals. I am so glad in my classroom their are children with disabilities who are not ashamed of their disability. They have learned at an early age that they can triumph over the challenges of life . My great nephew also struggles with autism but he is the most loving and smart child that blesses our home with such life and energy. I am proud of the fight for equity for people with disabilities. Think of how much it has helped the entire society, elderly, and people who just felt that imperfections made them unworthy. I am a music teacher. I sing and share the value of people with differences and disabilities. We all have strengths and challenges. Our goal in life should be to face our challenges/ disabilities and help others triumph also . That is what it means to be humane

[@lauralie9658]

I am a Canadian living in Las Vegas, and I have not heard about it in either of my countries!

[@Nyxks]

I'm Canadian and ut was a big thing last year in many cities including Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, n Vancouver but sadly thanks to crap many companies that where involved pulled their involvement this year.

[@WheelyHeidi]

I work for my local county council, We have a disability group where we meet online (Teams) and were talking about disability pride, but when we googled it, we couldn't fine anything to be able to confirm when the date was. What confused us, was that different places have it at different times. For things like this we need to start planning and organising in the new year. There were also a number of comments and tweets from the LGBTQ+ community about other groups stealing "pride", especially when London Pride was on the 1st July. This could have put many organisations off or confused them. After a discussion, we plan to push it more for 2024.

[@johnbethea4505]

All I say is to try to adjust to what life has given us..

[@FronteirWolf]

I recently had an experience that reminded me why I learned to repress stimming before. I was going into sensory overload, ear defenders weren't cutting it. I felt I could hold my composure together for a few more minutes, but wouldn't last much longer. Outside with the funfair was noisy and inside with the arcade was noisy. I started stimming to avoid sensory overload, which worked, but people around me were alarmed, confused and slightly annoyed by it. I got taken into the car, but the windows were down and couldn't be raised, so it was still noisy. I started rocking, and I was accused of banging my head on the seat! It was fustrating that people didn't know what I was doing and that I was being treated like I was being deliberately difficult. People being able to understand a bit about what I was doing would have really helped and a quiet room inside would have been amazing.

[@HFMWheels]

Thank you for the information great video, I have CP and my boyfriend has Spina Bifida

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

Crip Camp is also available in full on KZbin if you don't have Netflix. I have it saved to watch later. 😊 I'm not a fan of the flag, I'd prefer pastel colours and softer shapes, but that's just me. 😊 This is the third year I've felt connected to it and that feeling gets stronger each year. 😊

[@dancingpianofairy]

I'm in the US and this is the first year I've heard it referred to as "disability pride month" and seen the flag. There have been several past summers a week or two that have been like "it's been x years since the ADA," but that's it. I'm glad to see it but Starbucks not participating doesn't surprise me: totally faced discrimination as an employee there.

[@zyasaurusrex98]

I had no idea we even had a disability pride. I was so excited to learn about it and go to a celebration in my state but my state doesn’t celebrate it. It’s so sad to learn a decent percentage of the population are disabled and we are constantly forgotten or purposely ignored.

[@MeSlighte]

Unfortunately, it means our videos will be targeted by more hate and bullying. At least every single disability pride video I've made has been . 😢

[@Kitty76037]

I have an invisible disability...that is unless you see me laying down on the floor in a doctor's waiting room, for example...cause it's very uncomfortable for me to sit in a chair. I don't have a problem with the word disabled or saying that I am disabled. However, for the very reason you stated about hate & bullying; I am not about to advertise disability pride on a t-shirt, etc.

[@MyMarkStudio]

I only just recently learned about disability pride. your video really helped me understand some of the basics better thank you.

[@liemdrake]

Happy Disability Pride month that you expect yourself with your disability and inspire ones like yourself and keep doing what you do.

[@evilwitch66]

I had no idea of the Disability pride. Thanks for sharing. 😊👍

[@catlady0073]

Crip Camp is brilliant

[@gracefulkimberella]

I think changing the flag would go a long way to differentiate gay pride and disability pride. I also think that the name should be changed so people aren't thinking that the LGBTQ disabled community isn't what's being celebrated. Ya the awareness this year fell flat. Did any of us do anything to promote it? Is there an association that dropped the ball?? What do we do inorder to do better next year?

[@TheMazinoz]

I agree I was confused about the Pride and flag too!

[@kellylyons1038]

It looks way too much like a pride flag. Plus the colors are depressing. Gives the impression that we're just like the queer community except sad and lifeless. Which is not the case in any way.

[@TheMazinoz]

Maybe call it ADA celebration Day

[@annawhiteley3128]

I was amazed and inspired by what happened in 1995 with the ADA here in America. I'm now all about safeguarding this progress in the current political atmosphere here, because there are people in our society that would roll back all minority rights if given half the chance. Don't let them do it!

[@EmilyCheetham]

I’m autistic (& have epilepsy) Even my parents don’t get some of my quirks. They even say that I should stop doing xyz or should do xyz differently. Look I get they want me to be as good as I can be but you cannot just get rid of your quirks, you cannot just do things a different way just because someone says it. My dad is the worse than mum when it comes to certain things. I like to do things a certain way, I like to have a routine. What is that so hard to understand. Thankfully parents just frustrate me. The worst is the few people who have actually made me cry. One a manager who though hey were better than me (and the rest of the staff) & thought they could do as they please not realising that it was a charity shop & if you p off the staff you won’t have any. Needless to say I quit & the managers left a few months later. Another charity shop I worked for the manager took advantage of me & my learning difficulties, forged my signature & accuses me of theft. I was thrown out by the area manager & told never to work for that charity again. Well screw them I haven’t even stepped foot in any shop belonging to that charity since. That’s just a couple of my really bad experiences. There are a few others. Even though I proved my innocence. But still it’s can be difficult for businesses to employ me to start with due to my autism & epilepsy (even though it’s under control with medication). I get discriminated against just because I may need a little extra support. Businesses never say it because they cannot but I can often tell. I just wish everyone was treated equally.

[@alexi.c]

So.. I'm American. I've been disabled since 1987. I didn't know about Disability Pride month until this year. I'm from a small town originally and didn't have cable TV until well into the 90s. I've never sought out any disabled groups or anything until this year. Guess it never crossed my mind.

[@ezrea9313]

This isn't directly related to the disability pride topic but more to the public bathroom/fitting room accessibility topic. Here in the States there's a product called "Pants Up Easy" that was designed by wheelchair users for wheelchair users to help them pull up their pants more easily. They make both permanent and mobile versions. I'm curious what your opinions on this product are and if you think they should be installed in accessible bathrooms/fitting rooms

[@bdctrans70]

Yes, it is truly disheartening about those companies, very disappointing. I am wondering why? I know some companies will withdraw from organizations during celebrations and festivals because they don't want any advertising liability in case something goes wrong, such as an extremist for whatever reason causes a black eye within a community, that company may be held partially liable for enticing this radical's behaviour. Or some companies just want to make and sell their products and don't want anything to do with any "banner" events even if their products are a major contribution to those who are using them to celebrate their platform. In this overly sensitive world, being cancelled can ruin livelihoods just by association. So I see it from both sides on this. I am genuinely so sick of the word "Pride". It is latched onto anything, any event and anyone these days! Yes, I am disabled, yes, I am a survivor, I am living independently, raising a family and I am dang proud of what I have achieved. But I definitely don't like grouping my accomplishments under the banner of "Pride". It seems so childish, so petty, such a lack of informality to celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices that others have made before me for our community. Why can't it be named "Disability Awareness"? Or "Disability Comprehension"? Or "Disability Appreciation"? The way the political waters are being split within the LGBT community is having with the LGBTQ+ community, the word "Pride" is being reflected back to their campaigns. I have been accosted many times about the use of Pride for the Disability Pride Month. When I stepped back and really looked at it from an enabled person seeing this for the first time, yeah, it can make one wonder about any connection to the LGBTQ+ community's over-the-top propaganda and how we will react to negative criticism. (I have LBGT family, friends and a daughter, so don't go raking me over for being homophobic, because I am not.) Our community has fought long and hard to be able to live an independent and accessible life, we don't need people having false preconceptions about who we are because of a word that is associated with another group's logo and activism. I just feel our unique community has done so much more to open the minds and doors to the populous than using the cheap, overly reused word of "Pride". Many may not agree with me, but This is how I feel

[@bradleyolinger1691]

I actually found out that it was Disability Pride Month just a couple hours before watching this. While I am glad we get our own pride month(and I want a disability pride pin to wear loud and proud), I do find that, as a whole, the United States has regressed in it's treatment of the disabled since the ADA was passed. It has become increasingly difficult for disabled to win ADA suits over the years(and judges should know better). In addition, many people don't recognize a disability unless there is some visible component to it, such as physical or developmental disabilities. I have three medical disabilities, one of which I receive government assistance for, and have been called lazy to my face many times before simply because I do not work due to the restrictions I am under. I absolutely would love to work, and do consider myself lucky that my conditions are stable enough that I could re-enter the workforce. I don't consider it all bad. I can take my time to find the type of work I want to do, and I have taken advantage of some of the benefits out there for disabled(my favorite being a US Parks Access Lifetime Pass...a lot of historic sites available there and I am a big history nerd). Nothing wrong with enjoying life. I have a lot of disabled friends, and try to do what I can to give back to the disabled community. My particular pet cause is medical disabilities, but particularly epilepsy and diabetes, both of which I have. I do what I can, where I can.

[@rachelstewart5044]

Hi Gem I only started watching u 2 weeks ago and this video was eye opening as I live in Scotland and this vid o was the first I ever heard of disability pride. I've been in a wheelchair for 14yrs now due to various health issues and well I saw this video 2 days ago and just showed my husband it and neither of us had ever heard of this pride, in Scotland it is NOT advertised anywhere yet apparently there is a pride day in Edinburgh (the least accessable city in Scotland) You say that McDonalds Starbucks etc celebrate it well not in Scotland. Not one on your list do anything up here in Scotland. It such a shame as I know a fair few people or families have major disabilities with themselves their children or a loved one and I know it would mean so much to them to have a day like this. We've also noticed that even our religious denominations don't even do anything about this either which is more surprising to us as they do so much for gay/sexual pride, for Christian aid, scope, even for guide dogs, but nothing for our disabled community,😢. We need more people like you to advocate for our needs just to feel like we are part of our communities. So much love and respect to you n ur family. Xx

[@sedwards536]

Could we take over a cruise ship for a week next year. We'd be fed watered and entertained, not sure there would be enough room for all of our chairs, scooters bikes etc but maybe interconnecting doors and put stuff in empty cabins. Wheelchair accessible cabins are in limited number. My Hubby used to go to Holland in a group of 6, on a ferry in his youth.. All disabled, the stories are amazing, all arrived back home mainly in one piece some times in a couple of pieces. Can you imagine the press's reaction. Im not suggesting any hijacking of ships😂

[@carolineroellinghoff377]

my town had a disability pride festival

[@JanneBU]

Because of you I was aware of July as disability pride, but I wasn't aware that I ås a dyslexic person was included in it. I very often don't feel like a part of the disable community, because my disability don't affect a majority of my life. I am not denied access or meeting daily stigmas because of me reading slower, reading wrong, misspelling og mispronounced. Yes I occasionally meet lack of understanding. I did so especially when I did disclose my dyslexia in a couple of job interviews. Then I got questions like "Are you sure you can manage all the reading and writing this position requires?". No surprise I didn't get those jobs. I have done 18 years of studying, I have a masters degree, of course I know what I can do, I wouldn't be sitting here if I didn't think I was qualified for the job. The lack of knowledge is frustrating, but for me it is only the first conversation there ever is a "problem". When people gets to know me a bit more I don't get discriminate, or when they don't know me at all I don't get discriminate, or if I choose not to disclose my disability I don't get discriminate. Therefore I don't feel like I deserve a place in the disabled community, but I greatly appreciate that you include me even when I am reluctant. Thanks for all the education you do Gem ❤

[@Nitaseyboldsault161]

Thanks! Love this idea never heard of it Keep up the great work

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you so much for your support 💎🤩

[@annettesuterswiss]

I don't know whether Disability Pride is something mainly anglosaxian. I haven't heard anything about disability pride in German or Italian media. So it is not my culture, and I don't understand fully it (yet). I have also thought about "pride"/to be proud of. Me personally I am not proud of something I was just born with, like I.e. my citizenship. I am grateful for it, but not proud of. I am mainly proud of things I have achieved myself.

[@BurtKwouk77]

I genuinely think Pride is the wrong word for it. None of us are proud to be disabled, we all just want an easier life. I think pride trivialises the struggle we all have. I think it needs re-labelling and it should be disability awareness month.

[@MeSlighte]

Pride is a celebration of culture. Disability culture is a thing.

[@MeSlighte]

There's already disability awareness month.

[@demeterontheinternet]

Just for a ref point, “pride” for the queer community grew out of an antonym for shame. This was when disowning and violence was common. A lot of people came out in a direct response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when it was near impossible to get any care even at the end of life. The cost of coming out was still very high. The commercialisation is really recent in the history of pride. I’ve even heard young people question why we have it and what the point is, with no real understanding of the history. My main reason for not participating now is accessibility. Go figure 😅

[@jenniferwells2291]

Unfortunately I didn't know Disability Pride month existed until I saw a video on KZbin but it had already passed. Last month I was in a restaurant with my husband and went to use the bathroom. As is typical in the U.S. an employee was using the handicapped stall as a phone booth. I didn't have my wheelchair with me, just my cane, and she was in there so long I couldn't really stand anymore. I was beyond fed up with this happening every time I go out to eat so I finally said something to the manager. I was very polite about it but let her know that I didn't appreciate the girl taking up the stall when (as usual) the others were open. No she did not go to the bathroom, just on the phone. Turned out the manager had a feeling she knew exactly who it was and that she had been hiding from the manager rather than working. Not sure if this happens in other countries, but I'm tired of keeping my mouth shut about it as if I am the one who should feel bad

[@kgstudios30]

Good work. Happ y Disability pride sister..

[@dolliecrazy]

i had no idea there was even disability pride. I had a stroke about a year and a half ago. But before that i had undiagnosed disabilities

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Thank you Jen, I really needed this today. I could totally relate to what you said about how important it is to take a step back and recognize ourselves for the work we have done, and also recognize all the others have come before us to do Accessibility work to get us to where we are. I live in America and while I knew it was disability pride month I have not seen any nondisabled companies advertise about it either. I’m not sure why that is this year. Could you make a video on the ADA equivalent laws in the UK, I’m just curious to compare the two countries.

[@Cynthia63636]

I cant help but wonder how many of the people that made disability pride happen in the last 5 years we have lost due to covid...

[@lisakarczewski]

Super awesome video!

[@peagames2002]

I'm disabled, and this 'pride' does nothing to me. Perhaps because my disability is less 'impactful' on my daily life compared to others. It has also brought me a lot of psychological ticks over people calling others 'special', especially if they're disabled. I find it absolutely demeaning and belittling. Not to mention how poorly regulated teachers for special needs are, a lot of violence and dominant teachers ravaged my special school in past. It was a fortune and a curse to leave special school to attend normal one. Even to this day I don't know how to write in calligraphy properly. Besides, the 'pride' in a sense is very awkward word for 'celebration', since being too prideful of self is after all a sin that can ruin a person.

[@annabelpurcell821]

I'm proud of what Judy Heumann accomplished in 1990 and everything leading up to it! I disagree with disability pride month for a few reasons! Number 1 is that society and government makes you feel like a useless lazy person when you're not! They place workplace barriers left and right rather than working with what you can do! Heaven forbid in Canada if you're disabled and try working - it takes extra work they're not paying you to do to get there and be able to stay a full 40hour week! That or no full time benefits- simple ! You either can or you cannot and they don't want you if you cannot! That's zero respect right there bc the able bodied working community is built for the able bodied! I worked for the hospitals there was no grey area for me to say no! It was do it and we can get you a chair suited to your needs. A chair? No I needed a schedule around my needs - but they don't care! Then when you can't anymore due to progressive REAL things Omg try getting Canadas Pension plan for the disabled! I fought w them for 4years when half my body doesn't work from a stroke at age 5! I I was diagnosed by a neurologist w post stroke headaches and worsening dystonia 🙄. It is what it is right no no! They told me your tied to the workforce, get them to accommodate you. They wouldn't so I had to work the hours until I fell into my second Crohn's surgery! I disagree w the flag and what it represents bc I'm all of those except undiagnosed !! Good Lord don't group me with those ppl!! #3 jumping aboard a pride wagon for the disabled nope! I have no pride in being disabled- it's a pain in the ass!! I agree w celebrating the ADA but not in a month bc nothing changes where I am ! I went through the last 34 years knowing nothing of disability pride! They must have missed me w their memo! 41 years disabled and I'm only proud to still be alive! I don't need a parade or praise from anyone but myself as I stand alone in this world. As we all do- everyone is different! When we can start to see that then I'll be proud! I worked for 30 years and my pension doesn't cover my winter power bills! I'm made to feel like it's my fault! No it isn't !!! I'm annabel purcell and yes I'm a different breed !! Strived my entire life trying to keep up! Now I strive to be happy and to give the government of Canada hell on earth until they meet my basic needs! The end!

[@sunnyshiholaboum..5822]

omg thank u sm i love this n its my first time seeing u

[@EsmeeAnnamarie]

As a disabled woman, I honestly don't really feel any kind of need for disability pride. For me, disability isn't something to be proud or ashamed of. It just sort of is and that's all. A month long celebration of us gaining rights just ain't doing it for me.🤷‍♀

[@weavenut]

I think they need to look into using social model language etc we need to be proud of our efforts to remove barriers

[@anthonykoeslag]

11:24 - frustrated, discouraged, depressed ..

[@lala_lou93]

Has anyone seen wheels2walking? I hope he's OK, he's kind of just disappeared...

[@carycornell1248]

I've been legally blind my whole life and never heard of this

[@RollAMileInvestigates]

I live in America and I didn’t know disability pride existed

[@laurad3497]

🎉❤ thank you for this video

[@anthonykoeslag]

9:55 - this angsiety is a big part of my lie, at work if I bring up disabled peoples rights and universal access there is a very real agression from senior staff

[@toddcribbs6844]

Okay what the Walt Disney Company is doing by using a third-party vendor is not just illegal under the Ada but also in America HIPAA law which is what do you need to be seen by a doctor or physician really quickly

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

Maybe we need to call it "Disability Rights Awareness Month" instead.

[@Volklet]

I’m very conflicted about it all. I don’t like flags of any sort, and I don’t understand why such a varied and disparate group of people needs a flag. I agree with a lot of other posters that it’s too similar to the LGBT flag and is probably confusing, plus I think it’s wrong for one person to decide what a logo which is claimed to represent so many people should be. On the other hand I think we do need to be proud of ourselves and we do need to raise awareness, so an awareness month would perhaps be much better. I’d be much keener to get involved in that. My final comment is one I’ve made before but I feel it’s important. I’m disappointed and upset by the name of that film. It looks like a very inspirational film but to have it branded with that revolting word that was shouted at me through my childhood at school is awful. I don’t understand why some ableist slurs are rightly fought against and get this one, the worst in my opinion, is used all over the place by the very people who should understand the hurt it causes the best. I know none of us can change it, but maybe we can campaign against the use of all derogatory terms and not just some - that would be wonderful.

[@ChrisPage68]

I am a proud Crip. It's about taking possession of a word and using against our oppressors.

[@Volklet]

@@ChrisPage68 I sort of get your point but it’s not a word I want to possess or be used to define a group I consider myself part of. If that’s how disabled people are described now then that “others” me. What is the difference between that and other offensive words that disabled people have fought against? I just wish we could be consistent in our disapproval of ableist slurs, it would be so much more inclusive and effective.

[@TheMazinoz]

That is what it was actually nicknamed in the 70s, an historical anachronism.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I'm basically hearing crickets about disability pride especially from major corporations. Too bad that they're ignoring a group that has a butt ton of spending power.

[@orion_13]

That scene of disabled people pulling themselves up the stairs "because there wasn't access" is BS. Sorry, love your content but I know from experience of visiting on crutches in 1987 that the left of the stairs is the senators/house reps entrance that has elevators. They were open to me at age 17 in 1987 so I'm sure they were still there in 1990. This part was just for show just like the senators you see walking up the steps do so for show since they have several private entrances. It is only when they want to be seen that they enter this building on the steps in front of the cameras. I'm in a wheelchair now so I don't want anyone to hand me the line that I don't know what I'm talking about... I know poor access and the capital building is not one of those places even before ADA was enacted.

[@UnchainedEruption]

Add this to the list of things I never knew existed and was better off not knowing. It's hilarious how bad this insanity is getting. Reality is recycling South Park gags at this point. I actually remember an exact scene where PC Principal was gonna break some kid's legs for using the offensive word "retarded" in the school paper, only to find out it was Jimmy, the crippled kid who allowed the word as editor. Seriously, this is real life now. We're inside South Park jokes.

[@BecomingDr.Kimmie259]

I have spent my whole life in a wheelchair, with CP, and I wouldn't do this. "Pride" is not exactly the best word-- I'm not "proud" of it. This is a great civil rights movement, and I HATE ablism, okay, but this kinda thing IS toxic positivity, and could definitely have a weird stigma. Like the Special Olympics. Appreciate the sentiment, but no thanks. Love you, though.

[@disneyenchantedyt]

I have cp to and im not proud of it either in my videos i hide it as much as i can

[@knupification]

Until now, I didn't know anything about the Disability Pride Month. It is simply not present in my environment.

[@barb227]

I think Social Security Disability Need to understand that not all disabled are very severe. They need to understand their are mild cases too and disabled can work more then part time they just need help. They say you are severe or normal and you can't be both . The goverment need to be educated and so does our country.

[@krystalschulze7]

We have a disability community video podcast (M4G Advocacy Media) where we discuss issues within the community. I posted about this lol and there was SO much confusion. Perhaps we should just stick with Disability Awareness.

[@EmilyCheetham]

I didn’t know about disability pride.

[@AndrewHaverson]

Thank you, Gem for all your education. Hopefully, I can prove myself less ablist and more Christ-like for it.

[@toddcribbs6844]

You can tell me Happy Birthday on the 20th

[@MyMyself-yr5ks]

We need a 14th amendment violation lawsuit against the state and federal govs .

[@andreabelt10]

Hi Gem. Would you ever consider coming to the Rollettes experience in US?

[@jameshaxby5434]

My pet peeve with the "Disability Movement" is that they automatically support liberal positions of healthcare. When it comes to healthcare liberal policies like healthcare rationing, abortion, and assisted suicide, as well as emphasizing " wellness", are terribly elitist and pro death.

[@Nitaseyboldsault161]

Just watched this whole video Did not even know this existed I want Disney to recognized this and have a disibility pride month would love to know where they are in the states Maybe start one in my Ian near me

[@Wheelsnoheels]

It would be amazing if Disney recognised Disability pride. I’ve thought of starting one too. You should. Start small and you never know where it could lead. 💎

[@BarbaraBoronda]

i never knew about it

[@christinesmurthwaite8660]

dint know of it