We're Still Celebrating Disability Pride Month!

On July 26, 1990, legislators signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. As this act evolved through the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act in 2008, a broad and inclusive definition of disability has helped to bolster the impact of the ADA and help to grow disability pride and positivity. These actions have helped cultivate the concept of Disability Pride, which is commonly defined as "accepting and honoring each person's uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.” Disability Pride Month is now celebrated every July and is regarded as a time to honor the passing of the ADA and to raise awareness about improving access and inclusion in all aspects of life. Throughout the years, activities for Disability Pride Month have included parades, festivals, and campaigns that serve as opportunities and to foster a sense of community and to recognize the contributions of disabled individuals to all parts of society. Furthermore, increasing the visibility of disabilities has helped others learn more about their own conditions and the accommodations that may help them to lead more fulfilling, productive lives.

CareValidate is on the frontlines of helping organizations accommodate employers to create a more inclusive and accessible work environment. Through a focus on accommodating employees on factors such as accessible facilities, assistive technology, and flexible work arrangements, CareValidate takes each unique employee circumstance into account so that they can perform their jobs and participate fully in the workforce. These may include identifying the need for physical changes to buildings, assistive technologies, or policy enhancements, among others. This is facilitated through CareValidate’s state-of-the-art platform AccommoCare, which supports an interactive process to assist employees with submitting claims and receiving accommodations within the workplace. AccommoCare is equipped to work with complex cases that require additional expertise to ensure that each worker gets the support they need to excel in the workplace.

1. https://adata.org/factsheet/ADA-overview#:~:text=The%20Americans%20with%20Disabilities%20Act%20(ADA)%20became%20law%20in%201990,open%20to%20the%20general%20public.

2. Eyer, K. Eyer, K. (2021). Claiming disability. BUL Rev., 101, 547.

3. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations

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