July brings one of our most meaningful celebrations – Disability Pride Month. This isn’t just about visibility; it’s about belonging, strength, and the unstoppable power of community. This year’s theme, “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay,” sends a crystal-clear message: disabled voices aren’t waiting for acceptance someday in the future. They’re claiming their rightful place in the world right now.
Whether disabilities are visible or invisible, temporary or lifelong, this month honors the millions who navigate the world differently and the incredible contributions they make every single day.
The Story Behind the Flag
Every stripe on the Disability Pride flag tells a story. Redesigned in 2021 by disabled activist Ann Magill, the current version replaced the lightning bolt design that caused visual strain on electronic devices – a perfect example of the community’s commitment to true accessibility.
Here’s what each color represents:
Black honors those lost to negligence, illness, resistance, and the devastating legacy of eugenics. It’s a solemn reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.
Green celebrates sensory disabilities, including visual and hearing differences. It’s a call for a world where accessibility isn’t an afterthought.
Blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities – depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and beyond. Mental health matters, period.
White shines light on invisible and undiagnosed disabilities. Chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and countless other challenges that don’t always show on the surface deserve recognition and support.
Gold honors neurodiversity – autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and all the beautiful ways brains can work. Different doesn’t mean less.
Red celebrates physical disabilities and the incredible strength of those who face the world’s barriers head-on.
Voices From Our Zazzle Community
We asked Creators about their experiences, dreams, and hopes as members and allies of the disabled community. Their answers remind us why representation and support matter so much.
What disability rights advancements would you most like to see?
Jaana Humlie, creator of Humble Colors store, gets straight to the point:
“Guaranteed Livable Income for Disabled Individuals. Many disabled people cannot work full-time or consistently, yet disability benefits often fall below the poverty line. A universal, unconditional basic income or significantly improved disability benefits would reduce poverty, increase autonomy, and acknowledge the inherent dignity of disabled lives.”
Darren Glenn, creator of Taco Don’s Chicken Tacos, highlights everyday barriers:
“Yes. I think the ADA has helped a lot over the years. But, there is still obvious discrimination in the workplace and in the hiring process. It is also extremely difficult to purchase tickets to a concert because most venues do not include wheelchair seating on their websites and you have to physically go to the venue to purchase tickets. Plus, seating is almost always way in the back for wheelchair users.”
Nathalie, creator of Personally Yours, shares a powerful perspective on accessibility:
“During the pandemic, so many services, experiences, and resources were made available online. The world could watch live-streamed concerts, theatre performances, and museum tours. There were virtual social events like trivia nights, books clubs and meetups. City council meetings and court hearings were livestreamed. Conferences, festivals and expos were available online. Fully remote job opportunities were offered. For the millions of disabled and chronically ill people around the world who have limited or no ability to leave their homes, it opened up access to the world we’d never had before. When the rest of the world was able to go back to enjoying those things in person, most of those online options were taken away. It would be incredible to see those things made available again.”
How has creating on Zazzle empowered you and others?
William Elliott, creator of Through The Eyes Of The Blind, shares his inspiring journey:
“I first began creating on Zazzle over a decade ago. I had recently become legally blind and what eyesight I had was continuing to deteriorate. I was facing unemployment and a loss of self esteem because society was telling me that I could not be a productive member of society. But all through my increasing sight loss, I have maintained a Zazzle presence and Zazzle, in return, has paid me royalties and I can now look at anyone and say, ‘I have earned an income.’ The knowledge that people are willing to look at my products and even purchase them since Zazzle has made that possible, is very empowering and helps me when I am struggling with depression and anxiety. Creating has been an outlet for me and Zazzle, with its print and create on demand business, has increased my quality of life and has given me goals to strive for. I am proud to call myself a self-employed small business owner because of Zazzle.”
Elisha Price, creator of BeautifullyCrazyLife, keeps it simple and powerful:
“It has just helped get awareness out to the community. To show that people are NOT alone in their fights.”
Rose Lanphear, creator of Digital Art By Rose Velvet, shows incredible resilience:
“It empowers other by no matter my disability I carry on and able to make a difference. Especially has a disabled veteran bringing light to the world. Creating products have me live for something and keeps me busy from breast cancer treatment and brain tumor. It shows me I can accomplish something.”
Show Your Pride, Share Your Support
Ready to celebrate loud and proud? Here’s how to make your support visible and meaningful.
![Disability Pride Month Black T-Shirt](https://rlv.zcache.com/disability_pride_month_black_t_shirt-r_v39ter_644.webp")
Wear Your Pride
Nothing says “I belong here” quite like proudly wearing that message. Whether you’re joining marches, attending events, or just going about your day, let your shirt do the talking. Perfect for rallies, fundraisers, or any day you want to show solidarity.
Pin Your Support
Sometimes the most powerful statements come in small packages. A button on your jacket lapel or bag can spark conversations and spread awareness wherever you go. Share the love by giving these out to friends, family, or community members.
Fly Your Flag
Let your whole neighborhood know where you stand. A flag outside your home or business opens doors for meaningful conversations about inclusion and belonging. When neighbors ask what it means, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to educate and inspire.
Ways to Celebrate That Matter
Wearing pride gear is just the beginning. Real celebration means taking action that creates lasting change.
Connect Authentically
Look for local events, support marches, performances by disabled artists, community gatherings. Show up not just as an ally, but as someone ready to listen and learn. If you’re not part of the disabled community yourself, supporting family members, friends, or neighbors makes all the difference.
Support Disabled-Owned Businesses
Put your money where your values are. Research local businesses run by or employing disabled individuals. Support doesn’t have to be huge—buy their products, tell friends about them, share their social media posts. Every action counts. Business owners can show quiet but powerful support with a window display.
Learn Something New
For the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, communication barriers are daily challenges. Learning basic sign language – hello, “can I help,” the alphabet, numbers one through ten, creates more inclusive spaces for everyone.
Advocate at Work
Become the change your workplace needs. Push for accessible door access, autism-friendly lighting and noise policies, or organize team sign language classes. Small changes create ripple effects that benefit everyone.
At Zazzle, we believe in fostering a world where everyone belongs – no exceptions, no asterisks. Disability Pride Month isn’t just about awareness; it’s about action, acceptance, and celebrating the incredible strength of the disabled community.
This year’s theme says it all: “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.” Join us in making that promise a reality, one conversation, one product, one moment of inclusion at a time.
We’d love to hear from you: Share your own experiences living with disabilities or supporting someone who does in the comments below. Your story matters, and it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
