Date: July 11, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, First Council District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan, Third Council District
Councilwoman Megan Kerr, Fifth Council District
Subject: Disability Pride & Empowerment Month
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft resolution officially recognizing every July as Disability Pride & Empowerment Month in the City of Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which took place on July 26, 1990, Disability Pride became a celebratory movement of this legislative landmark aimed at recognizing achievements for disability rights while pushing for disability equity across all sectors of life.
Prior to 1990, people living with disabilities were subjected to employment and other disability- based discrimination with a lack of equal protection under the law. Through an intersectionality lens, this lack of legal protection for people living with a disability adds yet another layer of oppression and struggle to people of color, women, and other marginalized groups. As such, the push for disability rights equates to the push for human rights and equity for all.
Disability Pride uplifts and celebrates the contributions of disability activists that fought for the passage of the ADA and that have valiantly advocated for protected pathways toward R-34
independent living and better working and living conditions for everyone. One of the most notable events that shined light on the national demand for the passage of the ADA became known as the Capital Crawl. Protestors abandoned their mobility aids and crawled up the capitol steps as a protest to the ongoing efforts to stall the ADA from passing.1 This is one of many examples that highlights Disability Pride and respect for those who have risked their lives to pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible nation.
By officially recognizing July as Disability Pride Month, Long Beach is declaring a commitment to celebrating and respecting all people with disabilities and to building upon the efforts of breaking barriers in all areas of public life. It also recognizes the valuable contributions the disability community brings to the growth, diversity, and economic prosperity of our city.
Cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Madison have celebrated Disability Pride Month since the early 2000s. As Long Beach is a championing leader in equity efforts, it is appropriate to officially recognize every July as Disability Pride & Empowerment Month in the City of Long Beach.
EQUITY LENS
This proclamation aligns with the City’s equity goal of making Long Beach a place where everyone can thrive and reach their highest level of health and potential for a successful life, regardless of background, neighborhood, or identity.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
1 https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/capitol-crawl-for-ADA/