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This month is Disability Pride Month and this year, it’s getting traction! What is it and why is it important? Read my new column on HealthCentral:

“I know a lot of women whose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has affected their hands, and it has taken a social toll. I see them hiding their hands under the table and in their pockets because of the visible effects of the condition. They tell me they are ashamed of their hands, of what RA has done to them. Not wanting to draw attention to changes in their knuckles and fingers, they mourn the beautiful rings relegated to drawers and the loss of playing with color on their nails. It breaks my heart every time I hear this and it’s one of the reasons Disability Pride, observed throughout the month of July, is so necessary.

Disability pride focuses on breaking down physical and attitudinal barriers to the full participation of those of us who live with chronic illness or disability and promotes the idea that disability is a natural and—yes, even beautiful—part of the human experience. Stirring stuff, isn’t it?

“But what is there to be proud of?” This is a frequent reply when I mention the term “disability pride” and it usually comes from able-bodied folks. Admittedly, this does get my back up a bit as they are at that very moment speaking to a woman sitting in a wheelchair! But after my initial eye roll, I try to see it as an educational opportunity. I remind them that the opposite of feeling pride is shame, point out the stunning range of variety in humanity, and start in on my prepared spiel about ableism.”

Read the full column about disability pride on HealthCentral.