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Celebrate National Disability Independence Day on July 26 with enthusiasm and pride! This day was created to honor and recognize the accomplishments of people living with disabilities. It's a celebration of their strength, courage, and determination in overcoming barriers in order to lead independent lives. The day was first established in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush as a way to inspire those living with disabilities while also raising awareness within society at large about the importance of inclusion for all individuals regardless of ability or disability status.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Disability Advocacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 19th century, advocacy movements arose to improve conditions for mentally and physically disabled individuals, often in institutions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Security Act Passes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Social Security Act included provisions for disability insurance, offering financial support to those unable to work due to disability.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Special Olympics Held </div><div class='timeline-text'>The Special Olympics provided an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete on a world stage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Education for All Act Passed</div><div class='timeline-text'>This U.S. law ensured that children with disabilities had access to free public school education tailored to their needs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Americans with Disabilities Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ADA prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Disability Independence Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the enactment of the ADA, President George H.W. Bush established National Disability Independence Day to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of people living with disabilities. <br> The day was officially celebrated for the first time on July 26, 1991.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a disability organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer to help raise awareness of the unique needs and contributions of people with disabilities. It is an opportunity to use your skills and talents to make a difference in someone's life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events hosted by local disability organizations in your community and attend them. These events often provide a platform for disabled individuals to share their stories, discuss their struggles and successes, and celebrate their accomplishments.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser or other event in your area to benefit a local disability organization or charity that supports people with disabilities. This is a great way to bring people together and show your support for the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself on disability rights, laws, issues, history and culture. Share what you learn with others and encourage them to become more aware of the issues facing people with disabilities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support businesses owned by people with disabilities</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One way to show your support for National Disability Independence Day is to purchase goods or services from businesses owned by people with disabilities. This encourages economic stability for those individuals, as well as providing them with job opportunities.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Disability Independence Day is a great way to spread awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. By highlighting the successes of those in the disabled community, we can help end stigma and create an inclusive environment for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Accomplishments</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Disability Independence Day is also important as it celebrates the incredible accomplishments of those living with disabilities. This day is a chance to pause and recognize the hard work that individual have done in order to achieve independence despite any limitations or obstacles they may face.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Inspires Change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By highlighting the struggles and successes of individuals with disabilities, National Disability Independence Day can inspire positive change within both communities living with disability, as well as in broader society. This day serves as an opportunity to advocate for greater rights and resources for people with disabilities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 1 Billion People live with Some Form of Disability</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people around the world live with some form of disability. This represents about 15% of the world's population making people with disabilities one of the largest minority groups.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Disabilities are not Always Visible</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not all disabilities are visible. Many people with disabilities like autism, mental health conditions, learning differences or chronic illnesses may not have physical signs but still face various challenges in their daily lives.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>People with Disabilities Often Face Economic Barriers</h3><p class='facts-content'>People with disabilities often face economic barriers and are more likely to live in poverty. They may encounter higher medical costs, have limited access to education or job opportunities, or face discrimination which can limit their earning potential.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Disabilities can be Acquired at Any Age</h3><p class='facts-content'>While some people are born with disabilities, others may acquire disability at any age due to various reasons such as disease, accidents, or aging. The likelihood of having a disability increases with age.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Individuals with Disabilities are not Defined by their Disabilities</h3><p class='facts-content'>A person's disability is just one part of their identity and doesn't necessarily define who they are. People with disabilities can and do excel in virtually all areas of life, including sports, arts, academia, and careers.</p></div></div>
National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26 every year. In 2024 National Disability Independence Day will occur on a Friday.
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