"Everyone should feel recognized, valued, and uplifted for exactly who they are."
By MAC Midwest
Belonging isn’t just a feeling. It’s a right.
This year’s Disability Pride Month theme, We belong here. We are here to stay, is more than a message. It’s a movement. It affirms that people with disabilities are essential members of every community, every school, every workplace, and every space where decisions are made.
At MAC Midwest, this theme resonates deeply. It echoes what we say every day: You belong here. Whether you’re a learner, family member, staff member, or community partner, you matter. You are not just included. You are vital. And you’re here to stay.
Disability Pride Month reminds us that disability is not something to be fixed. It’s a natural part of human diversity. It’s a call to build systems, relationships, and communities where everyone has a seat at the table.
What the Disability Pride Flag Represents
Redesigned in 2021 by disability advocate Ann Magill, the Disability Pride Flag reflects the strength and diversity of the disability community. Each element carries meaning:
Black Background: Honors those lost to ableism, systemic neglect, and lack of access.
Color Stripes:
Red: Physical disabilities
Gold: Neurodivergence
White: Invisible or undiagnosed disabilities
Blue: Emotional & Psychiatric disabilities
Green: Sensory disabilities
It’s a bold, beautiful reminder that disability is part of the human story, not an exception to it.
Why We Celebrate Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month takes place each July to mark the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The ADA broke down barriers in access, education, transportation, and public life. But Disability Pride goes beyond a single law.
It’s about dignity. It’s about belonging. And it’s about shifting the narrative from accommodation to acceptance, from awareness to action.
What It Looks Like at MAC Midwest
Disability pride is woven into the everyday moments of our organization — not only in the therapy rooms, but across every part of our community:
- A child using their AAC device to say “hello”
- A teen discovering confidence through a new job skill
- A clinician helping a learner connect for the first time
- A parent finally feeling seen and supported
- A staff member bringing lived experience to their care
- A community partner opening doors for inclusive hiring
Our internal DEI Committee also plays a key role in championing equity and inclusion, helping ensure that disability pride is not just acknowledged, but actively celebrated.
Disability pride is not limited to those receiving services. It lives in our staff, families, partners, and allies who show up with empathy, advocacy, and a belief in every person’s potential.
Where to Start: Resources for Families and Allies
Whether you’re navigating services or seeking to become a better ally, you are not alone. These trusted resources offer information, support, and connection in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
For Families Navigating Disability Services
Minnesota
Disability Hub MN: https://disabilityhubmn.org
PACER Center: https://www.pacer.org
MN Council on Disability: https://www.disability.state.mn.us
Minnesota Autism Resource Portal: https://mn.gov/autism/
Iowa
ASK Resource Center: https://www.askresource.org
Iowa Compass: https://www.iowacompass.org
Iowa DD Council: https://iddcouncil.iowa.gov
Iowa RAP: https://chsciowa.org/rap
Autism Society of Iowa: https://www.autismia.com
Wisconsin
Family Voices of Wisconsin: https://familyvoiceswi.org
Disability Rights Wisconsin: https://www.disabilityrightswi.org
WI FACETS: https://www.wifacets.org
Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin: https://www.autismgreaterwi.org
WISADDM Network: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wisaddm/index.htm
Well Badger Resource Center: https://www.wellbadger.org
For Learning, Allyship, and Advocacy
ADA National Network: https://adata.org/learn-about-ada
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund: https://dredf.org
Autistic Self Advocacy Network: https://autisticadvocacy.org
Rooted in Rights: https://rootedinrights.org
Disability Visibility Project: https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com
Center for Disability Rights: https://cdrnys.org
What Belonging Means to Us
Disability Pride Month isn’t just a moment on the calendar. It’s a commitment to meet people where they are, to build with compassion, and to ensure that every person can grow into who they are, with dignity and support.
Belonging doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when we listen, learn, and act with purpose. This month and every month, we honor the voices, rights, and identities of people with disabilities. And we recommit to building communities where everyone belongs, not in spite of disability, but because difference makes us stronger.
