The Heart of Our History: Why We Celebrate in July
Our July celebrations are rooted in a beautiful, hard-won moment of collective joy and triumph: the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark law was a giant, official "yes" to the right of disabled people to participate fully in the world.
- The Power of Community: Long before any papers were signed, disabled neighbors, friends, and families came together to declare a simple, liberating truth: our bodies and minds are wonderful exactly as they are. The real barriers aren't our differences—it’s a world that wasn't built to welcome all of us.
- A Historic Step Forward: In March 1990, to make sure the world was listening, activists gathered at the U.S. Capitol. In a powerful, unforgettable display of solidarity and love, people set aside their wheelchairs and mobility aids to climb the Capitol steps together. It was a message of pure determination: We are here, we belong, and we will climb together.
- Growing the Joy: What started as a single, proud day of celebration in Boston quickly caught fire. Because our pride is too big for just twenty-four hours, July was officially designated as our month to shine in 2015.
Today, Disability Pride is our collective love letter to ourselves and each other. It’s an invitation to step out of the shadows of "tragedy" or "pity" and step into the bright, warm light of belonging. We aren't just surviving; we are thriving, creating art, building community, and making Multnomah County a richer, more beautiful place just by being our authentic selves.
Local Resources & Community Connections
You don't have to navigate life or advocacy alone. Multnomah County has established, dedicated networks:
- Multnomah County I/DD Services: The county’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities division supports over 8,000 local residents. They help coordinate essential local resources like transportation assistance (including TriMet LIFT), housing/rent help, and in-home care.
- Multnomah County Libraries: Local branches host inclusive, all-abilities events. You can contact them directly (503-988-5123) to arrange specific disability accommodations for any of their library programs.
- Aging, Disability & Veterans Services (ADVSD): This county department manages local wellness programs, handles adult protective services, and offers direct case management. They also coordinate the Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC), giving county residents a direct voice in local government accessibility policies.
Need assistance? If you need help coordinating services or navigating county programs, you can reach out directly to the Multnomah County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) 24-hour helpline at 503-988-3646.
Watch the Multnomah County Proclamation
If you want to watch the official moment our local government formally recognizes this month, you can view this video recording of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Why Watch: The reading outlines the county's specific, ongoing commitments to disability justice, dismantling ableist barriers, and improving local accessibility.
The presentation and official reading of the proclamation begin at 44:35.