We All Belong Here – Celebrating Disability Pride in Whatcom County
July 11, 2025
Bellingham, WASH — During the month of July we celebrate Disability Pride Month and promote disability culture and visibility. This annual observance commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was passed on July 26, 1990. The ADA protects Americans living with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of public life including transportation, communications and employment.
A 2024 statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited findings that 1 in 4 adults in the United States reported having a disability in 2022 totaling over 70 million. Worldwide, the population of people living with disabilities is considered the largest minority group.
“People in the disability community are diverse,” The Arc of Whatcom says in a statement. “They come from all backgrounds. They represent the full range of differences among people.”
During this July we celebrate disability as a part of our identities; disability does not define who we are but is important to how we experience the world and impacts how we live our lives. People with disabilities all have unique thoughts, feelings and ways of expressing their own identities. Disability is not always visible and may also impact people at different stages of their lives.
Resources and services for those who are disabled in Whatcom County are provided by several non-profit and social and health services organizations and partnerships such as The Arc of Whatcom, Whatcom Center for Early Learning, Max Higbee Center and Whatcom Taking Action. Our organizations share resources and engage in partnerships to best support the unique needs of the people we serve
This month WCEL, The Arc of Whatcom, MHC and WTA are celebrating Disability Pride Month by uplifting our community partners in their disability-centered events and sharing historical and educational information around disability to nurture a deeper understanding of what it means to live with a disability.
Local Disability Pride Events:
July 17 - Hamster Art Walk and Roll
July 20 - Disability Pride Sidewalk Fest
July 24 - Blue House Garden Party
Readings and Resource Guides:
Disability Pride: embracing identity, breaking down barriers - Salish Current
Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month - The Arc
Bellingham Public Library Celebrates Ability Diversity and Disability Pride in July - Bellingham Public Library
Disability Pride Month 2025 - Spokane Public Library
STG resource guide: Disability Pride Month - Seattle Theatre Group
Observing Disability Pride Month this July | Human Rights Watch
Disability in USA – Global Disability Rights Now
Ableism: Types, examples, impact, and anti-ableism
What is Disability Pride?
Learn and engage this Disability Pride Month - UW Combined Fund Drive
Whatcom Center for Early Learning's (WCEL) mission is to partner with families and caregivers to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy, early learning, and support services to children, with a focus on those experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
WCEL envisions an equitable and just society where all children, including those with disabilities, thrive, have their unique developmental needs nurtured, experience meaningful connection, and have caregivers who celebrate their strengths and can advocate for their needs.
The Arc of Whatcom County’s (The Arc) mission is to improve the quality of life, increase independence and assure the full inclusion in the community of all persons with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Whatcom County strives to be an effective resource, a strong advocate and a dedicated base of support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Whatcom Taking Action (WTA) is a community-wide partnership integrating services for health care, development and support for children and youth with special healthcare needs. Taking Action is a partnership comprised of community leaders, parents, service and care providers. Together, we are building an integrated system of care and support that local families can access — easily and efficiently. The Arc of Whatcom County is the lead fiscal agency for Whatcom Taking Action.
Max Higbee Center (MHC) is a non-profit organization that provides community-based recreation programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Whatcom County, Washington. MHC’s mission has four broad aims:
To provide opportunities for personal enjoyment and enrichment through a diverse range of leisure activities.
To promote the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and development of participants.
To assist participants to achieve greater independence in their lives and increased involvement in the community.
To promote and embody justice, diversity, inclusion, and equity in our organization and within our community.