This Month in Disability Rights History: July 2025

July is Disability Pride Month, and we have much to celebrate, from the passage of the ADA to the first Special Olympics. Join us as we reflect on some of the great people and events of mid-summer.

Americans with Disabilities Act signed into Law: July 26, 1990

President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans With Disabilities Act, the most sweeping law banning discrimination against people with disabilities. Employers, state and local governments, businesses that are open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies all have to follow the requirements of the ADA. Also present at the time of the signing was Justin Dart, Jr., a prominent disability advocate who passed away also in July of 2002.

July is Disability Pride Month

Celebrated worldwide, Disability Pride events originated in Boston, Massachusetts with the first disability pride day happening actually in October of 1990, partially in celebration of the recently signed Americans with Disabilities Act. More often now, disability pride is celebrated in July across the world, from the US and the UK to Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, and South Korea. One of the largest and longest-running Disability Pride events is the Chicago Disability pride parade, the first of which had Yoshiko Dart, widow of Justin Dart Jr, as its grand marshal. Also in July is Disability Awareness day, which falls squarely in the center of the month on the 14th. 

Birthday of Ed Roberts: July 23rd, 1939

Ed Roberts is considered the father of the independent living movement for people with disabilities. Ed contracted polio at the age of fourteen, paralyzing him completely. Ed thrived in his life despite early dire predictions by doctors, completing high school and attending the University of California at Berkeley, whom he had to sue to get in. He eventually became the first California State Director of Rehabilitation with a disability. The independent living movement espoused the belief that if a person needs supports to live in the community then these supports should be provided. That belief was enshrined into law with Olmstead V. L.C. in 1999, the same year that Ed passed.

First International Special Olympics: July 20th, 1968

The First International Special Olympics was held at Soldier’s Field in Chicago Illinois on July 20th, 1968. A thousand athletes with intellectual disabilities from 26 states and Canada participated in the games, competing in over 200 events from swimming to track and field. The games have occurred every 2 years since then, with millions of athletes participating in thousands of events. The oath the athletes recite before the games is a beautiful testament to their strength: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Medicare and Medicaid Establishment: July 30th, 1965

Medicare and Medicaid were established in July 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Amendments of 1965 into law. Initially covering the elderly and people who were getting cash assistance from the government, the programs have expanded to cover people of all ages with disabilities or who require long-term care. These programs have promoted independence and autonomy for people with disabilities. Today, more than 6 million Americans with disabilities under the age of 65 receive medical, hospital, support, rehabilitative, residential, and long-term care services through Medicare and Medicaid.

Home involved in City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center Inc. is purchased: July, 1980

In July 1980, Jan Hannah, Vice President of Cleburne Living Center, Inc. (CLC), purchased a home in Cleburne, Texas. Ms. Hannah intended to lease the home to CLC to be used as a group home for thirteen individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The city denied a permit for them to open that home, citing zoning laws. The case eventually reached the supreme court, who unanimously decided that the reasons justifying denial were discriminatory, and violated the 14th amendment. This victory lead the courts to employ higher standards of scrutiny when examining laws that regulated people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.