Commemorating Disability Pride Month

July 2025

Dear Legal Community:

Disability Pride Month is observed annually in July. This is an important opportunity for us to recognize the contributions, experiences, history, achievements, and struggles of people with disabilities. Additionally, Disability Pride Month reminds us that disabilities are a natural part of the human experience, and if we are blessed to live long enough, all of us will experience some level of disability during our lifetime either directly or indirectly.

Disability Pride Month is also an opportunity for us to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. In many ways, the ADA was modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (the “Civil Rights Act”).  Both the ADA and the Civil Rights Act are landmark civil rights laws, but they address different forms of discrimination. 

While the Civil Rights Act focuses primarily on prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life. This includes jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. 

For me, disability is personal. Although I am currently able-bodied, I have experienced temporary physical disabilities at various points in my life; usually while recovering from injuries. My most notable period of temporary physical disability was following an accident where I was struck by a vehicle while I was walking in a crosswalk as a pedestrian. It took several years for me to recover from my injuries. That experience helped me to further empathize with others navigating disabilities.

In addition to my personal experience with disability, both of my parents have aged into disability. This transition has been both challenging and enlightening. I have learned to be compassionate and grateful for every moment that we get to share with each other. Time is a precious but finite commodity. It is essential that we always make time for ourselves and those who we love.

As we reflect on Disability Pride Month, it is important to remember that disabilities are not always readily apparent.  Some folks have disabilities that are hidden. These hidden disabilities can include everything from being hearing impaired to battling cancer or arthritis. You cannot always tell by simply looking at someone whether they are navigating a disability.  Consequently, kindness, compassion, and civility are essential.

Disability amongst practicing lawyers is often treated as a taboo subject. I have moderated many disability rights programs over the years featuring lawyers and judges. Those programs have taught me that many lawyers and judges are afraid to disclose when they have a disability because they are concerned that others will incorrectly conclude that they are less capable of doing their jobs effectively. 

A recent survey of law firm lawyers found that only 1.4% identified themselves as having a disability, which is far lower than the national average of 21% of the U.S. working population with disabilities. The stigma against lawyers, judges, and everyone else with disabilities must end.

If you or someone who you love would like more information about navigating disabilities of all kinds, please check out the following resources:

The American Association of People with Disabilities – https://www.aapd.com/

The California Disability Services Association – https://cal-dsa.org/overview/

The ABA Commission on Disability Rights – https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/disabilityrights/

Disability Bar Association of Sacramento – https://dibas.mailchimpsites.com/

Disability Rights California – https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/

As we commemorate Disability Pride Month, please let us be kind and gracious as we acknowledge the important contributions, experiences, history, achievements, and struggles of people with disabilities. 

Sincerely,

Terrance J. Evans
Chair of the California Lawyers Association