Disability Empowerment Month

Rare by Design has proudly celebrated Disability Empowerment Month, honoring the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, this landmark legislation broke down barriers of exclusion, advanced equal opportunity, and prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities. Throughout July, people with disabilities and rare diseases, their families, and allies come together across the country to celebrate disability culture, participate in community events, and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and representation.

 

We recognize that disabilities and rare diseases affect people of every age, race, gender, and background. Some disabilities are visible, while many are not. Every person's experience is unique, and every story deserves to be seen, heard, and respected. Disability Pride & Empowerment Month is an opportunity to embrace disability identity, celebrate individuality, and promote acceptance through authentic representation.

 

Too often, society defines people by their disabilities instead of recognizing them as whole individuals with talents, passions, and dreams. At Rare by Design, we are working to change that narrative through our annual Disability Empowerment Month billboard campaign. We launched our 2023 "Inclusion Is Always In" billboard campaign to increase disability visibility through authentic visual representation (see the behind-the-scenes photos below). We believe that disabilities and rare diseases are natural parts of human diversity. We are all individuals first, each making meaningful contributions to our communities and the world.

 

Each July, our billboard campaign continues that mission by challenging stereotypes, celebrating disability pride, and demonstrating that people with disabilities and rare diseases belong in every space where representation matters.

 

While we celebrate the progress made since the ADA became law over 35 years ago, we also recognize that there is still work to do. Every day, we continue advocating for a world where accessibility is expected, inclusion is intentional, and representation is authentic.

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Together, brick by brick, we can continue breaking down barriers and building communities where everyone belongs. Rare by Design remains committed to creating a future where people with disabilities and rare diseases are not only included, but are seen, heard, valued, and empowered.