Hello CalABLE Community,
As you may know, July is Disability Pride Month. As an adult with autism spectrum disorder, I see Disability Pride Month as a great opportunity to celebrate the disability community and to reflect on how we, individually and collectively, can take steps to support inclusivity.
Everyone, with and without disabilities, deserves an opportunity to be independent and to self-advocate. We all have a fundamental right to decide for ourselves how to best live our lives as part of – and while contributing to – a loving, caring community.
Historically, this has not been true for the disability community. Individuals with disabilities have been stigmatized and marginalized on the basis that they can’t contribute to society, or that they can’t decide for themselves what is best.
I came to CalABLE because I reject this concept. I want to provide people with disabilities the tools they need to thrive, to grow, and to contribute to their communities. CalABLE’s mission is to meet individuals where they are and help them maximize their independence and their self-determination.
This month and throughout the year, I urge you to think about Disability Pride and what we can do to create a more inclusive and supportive society.
And be sure to read what Disability Pride and advocacy means to the CalABLE Ambassadors throughout today's newsletter!
Warm regards,
Thomas Martin
Executive Director CalABLE
