07/26/2026
36 years ago today, the Americans with Disability Act was passed. July 26, 1990. After ongoing efforts, advocacy, and litigation, it was signed into law, but there are many points of access we as a community still seek today.
Due to the act being passed this month, July has been recognized as Disability Pride Month since 2015, but did you know there is a Disability Pride Flag?
The Disability Pride Flag as shown in the image was created in 2019 by artist and writer Ann Magill who has cerebral palsy. Originally featuring a lightning bolt, it was reworked in 2021 as the original design would cause a strobe effect on digital devices. The now straight lines are used instead after Magill and several people with visually triggered disabilities created a design that wouldn't have a harmful effect.
According to Magill, the symbolism is as follows:
Having All Six "Standard" Flag Colors: signifying that Disability Community is pan-national, spanning borders between states and nations
The Black Field: Mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse
The Diagonal Band: "Cutting across" the walls and barriers that separate the disabled from normate society, also light and creativity cutting through the darkness.
The White Stripe: Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities
The Red Stripe: Physical Disabilities
The Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence
The Blue Stripe: Psychiatric Disabilities
The Green Stripe: Sensory Disabilities
The flag was entered into the public domain, so anyone is free to use it. The version pictured here is specifically desaturated for technology usage. For merchandise, flags, and other such items, it is recommended to utilize the saturated version.
While we do not specifically endorse this flag, it marks an important historical point within the disability community, and we wanted to make sure it is represented and its history discussed.
