Disability Pride Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Disability Pride Month

WHEREAS, July marks the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which ensures the civil rights, equal opportunity, and full participation of individuals with disabilities in society; and  

WHEREAS, more than one in four adults in the United States - including over 1 million Virginians - live with a visible or invisible disability, enriching our communities through their lived experiences, leadership, creativity, and advocacy; and 

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the many ways that people living with disabilities - whether physical or cognitive, visible or invisible, sensory or developmental, or acquired- add to the diversity and strength of our Commonwealth; and  

WHEREAS, it is important to actively work to dismantle ableism, physical barriers, and discriminatory practices; and 

WHEREAS, Virginia is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all people can live with dignity, equity, access, joy, and pride; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize July 2026, as DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.