Disability Pride Month originated alongside the signing of the ADA on July 26, 1990, with the inaugural celebration occurring in July 2015 for its 25th anniversary. Ann Magill, inspired by her own experiences with cerebral palsy, designed the original Disability Pride flag in 2019. This flag featured vibrant zigzag stripes on a black background, symbolizing the obstacles faced by people with disabilities. However, concerns were raised about its potential to trigger symptoms in individuals with certain visual impairments.
In response to community feedback, Magill collaborated to refine the flag's design. The stripes were straightened, colors were muted, and their order adjusted to ensure accessibility, particularly for those with red-green color blindness. This collaborative effort exemplifies the community's unity in addressing diverse access needs.
The updated flag's diagonal stripes represent the community's resilience and creativity, metaphorically cutting through barriers that separate disabled individuals from society. Magill generously waived her copyright, placing the flag in the public domain for widespread use and adaptation.
At The Next Level, we make it our mission to work with these amazing individuals to give them an opportunity?to fulfill their lives with meaningful employment at like-minded corporations. Corporations, that made a commitment to our aligned mission- a more inclusive workforce, addressing the diverse needs!
#ThanksToTheADA?#ADA #disabilitypridemonth?#thenextlevelfoundation
Red: physical disabilities.
Gold: neurodiversity.
White: invisible disabilities and undiagnosed conditions.
Blue: emotional and psychiatric disabilities.
Green: sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, and other sensory disabilities.
Faded Black Background: victims of ableist violence and abuse.
