County Executive David Crowley Observes Disability Pride Month Ahead of American with Disabilities Act’s 31st Anniversary

The following is the statement of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in observance of Disability Pride Month:

“July 26 will mark the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, a landmark law that was the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.

“The ADA’s impact on the lives of people with disabilities has been immense, enabling millions of people to fully participate in society while being protected by federal law from discriminatory practices. For three decades the ADA has encouraged full participating, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.

“Disability Pride Month builds on the celebration of the law, by celebrating something just as important: the visibility, contributions, and accomplishments of the disability community.

“At Milwaukee County, inclusion is a core value of our new era of government where we seek to include diverse backgrounds and perspectives when elevating leadership and making decisions. It is in the same spirit that we observe Disability Pride Month and celebrate the neurodiversity and disability that resides within Milwaukee County.

“Our brothers and sisters who make up our disability community deserve to be celebrated and embraced, not hidden or minimized for the comfort or convenience of others. We know that ableism and other injustices still pervade our society and that there are many residents who don’t have the resources they need to live the full, independent lives that they would like to lead.

“That is why it’s important that residents with disabilities know that we value them and the contributions they make towards moving Milwaukee County forward. Our vision to become the healthiest county in the state includes working to meet the needs of the disability community and ensure that the community is elevated by the services we provide.”

Click here to view County Executive Crowley’s proclamation declaring July 2021 Disability Pride Month in Milwaukee County.