Happy Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in 1990, coinciding with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26 of that year. Since then, the holiday has existed to celebrate the identities and achievements of people with disabilities while advocating for their equity.
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Former President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990
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Disability rights and voting rights are closely intertwined. To this day, "voters with disabilities face persistent barriers to casting a ballot," including restrictions on voter assistance, absentee ballot return limits, challenges to mail-in voting, and more.
Talking Disability and Voting Rights with Britt Belwine
The League partnered with disability rights advocate Britt Belwine to create a message about the challenges faced by voters with disabilities and how tools like absentee ballots can empower voters
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Britt is a civil rights attorney who represents people with disabilities in California and beyond. Among her many accomplishments are earning her Law Degree and working extensively on the rights of incarcerated people and folks with disabilities.
On top of that, Britt has grown an extensive following on TikTok, where she speaks out about disability justice, law, and her experiences with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
How LWV is Fighting for Voters with Disabilities
The League is committed to protecting the rights of all voters, including those with disabilities.
This involves protecting systems like mail-in voting, which is critical for many voters with disabilities. Currently, LWV and LWVMA are challenging President Trump's Executive Order targeting mail-in voting in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump.
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It also involves advocating for health care policies that ensure access to affordable, quality health care for people with disabilities. LWV has continuously advocated for health care affordability and opposed legislation (like 2025's One Big Beautiful Bill) that cuts health care resources.
LWV is also committed to uplifting the voices of people and partners within the disability rights community, from past and present. Stay tuned for more content like this on our blog and social media pages!
Ways to Celebrate Disability Pride & Advocate for Voting Rights
No matter the month, it's always a great time to fight for voting and disability rights.
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Here are a few steps you can take:
- Follow public figures in the disability voting rights space like Britt and so many more!
- Read up on disability voting rights heroes from the past.
- Check out organizations and coalitions dedicated to disability rights, like the National Coalition on Accessible Voting, the American Association of People with Disabilities, The Arc of the United States, and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. You can also support your local disability protection & advocacy system or ask your local League how they’re promoting disability voting rights.
- Learn about the rights of voters with disabilities, including rights around registration and accommodations.
- Get ready to vote in your upcoming election at VOTE411.org!