Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recognizing contributions and achievements of people living with disabilities. South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P), which has a long local history of great work and advocacy, is bringing attention to the annual celebration that is marking its 10-year anniversary nationally in July and will include a local street dance.
“People with disabilities are like everyone else, with the same needs and wants,” says South Sound Parent to Parent Executive Director Kim Smith. “They just need accommodations to access.”
South Sound Parent to Parent Celebrates Decades of Community Contributions
Organized in 1987 by parents of children with disabilities and professionals who work with them, South Sound Parent to Parent has decades of contributions to the community. “Services were made available to assist the families in adjusting to the extra demands of parenting a child with a disability or chronic illness,” the organization’s website explains. “The group also recognized that parents of children with developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses could be a tremendous help to each other.”
Smith says that South Sound Parent to Parent is the early intervention provider contracted by Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) providing evaluations and services to children (and their families) ages 0-3 in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties. “In addition, SSP2P provides the Helping Parent Program in Thurston, Mason and Kitsap counties, which consists of one-on-one mentor matches, support groups, educational workshops and recreational family activities, along with resources and referrals to other community agencies,” she says.
The community has responded in turn with contributions from financial donors, Helping Parent volunteers, and other key community assistance providing outreach, advertising and more. And equally important are contributions from people with disabilities, through their work, study and community activities.
Disability Pride Month’s 10-Year Anniversary Values Contributions and Achievements While Promoting Representation and Visibility
Disability Pride Month values all these contributions and achievements, while promoting representation and visibility for the community at large. “Disability pride month challenges stigma and promotes inclusion,” says Smith. “We need to eliminate harmful attitudes and treatment of this marginalized community.”
“The more people know, the more comfortable they are, and the easier it becomes to make accommodations for differences,” she adds. “Accessibility is key, and it benefits the whole community to welcome all people. It’s a matter of being mindful and equitable to other’s needs. Diversity should be celebrated in all forms.”
2025 marks the 10th year of Disability Pride Month. July was selected because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark federal legislation that protects people with disabilities from discrimination, was signed into law on July 26, 1990. “Disability Pride Month was officially established in July 2015, on the 25th anniversary of the ADA, by cities across the country with parades, festivals, educational opportunities and advocacy events,” according to a University of Washington webpage. “Many embrace the idea of disability pride as a grassroots movement challenging systemic ableism and the pervasive stigmatization of disability.”
Disability Pride Month’s attention to issues and challenges impacting people with disabilities is especially critical this year as many federal programs face possible cuts, and Smith says awareness is a call to action. “Vital programs like Medicaid are essential for people with disabilities,” she explains.
And this concern is particularly present for children with disabilities. The Kids Count Data Center shows that approximately 21% of Washington’s children under age 18 have special health care needs, which means they are at increased risk of a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.
July 12, 2025 Disability Pride Street Dance in Olympia is Just One Part of SSP2P’s Year-Round Focus
All of this is why SSP2P is bringing attention to Disability Pride Month and these issues. The organization will be active with a social media campaign, giving historical information and highlighting accomplishments of people. In addition, the Thurston/Mason Helping Parent team will be hosting a Disability Pride Street Dance on July 12 in the parking lot of the Olympia office, 2108 Caton Way SW, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., joined by Thurston County Developmental Disabilities, People First and others.
While Disability Pride Month is in the spotlight in July, SSP2P’s recognition and support of the community with disabilities and the people who love them extend year-round. Smith says that ongoing responsiveness means be kind, be aware, be patient, and talk to people with disabilities to see what they may need to access services.
You can be a part of this work. South Sound Parent to Parent provides multiple ways to contribute financially or through volunteer time during Disability Pride Month and all year. The organization serves Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Mason and Thurston counties.
Read more South Sound Parent to Parent news here.
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