Disability Inclusion Month 2026: Celebrating Inclusion Across Oregon and Southwest Washington
- Michael Merrill
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Disability Inclusion Month 2026
The World Works Better With Us
Celebrating Inclusion, Independence, and the Strength of Our Community
Every July, we celebrate Disability Inclusion Month—a time to recognize the achievements, history, culture, and invaluable contributions of people with disabilities. Disability Pride Month also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, one of the most significant civil rights laws in our nation's history.
This year's national theme, selected by The Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates, is:
"The World Works Better With Us."
It is a simple but powerful reminder that communities are stronger when everyone is included. People with disabilities help shape better schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, transportation, healthcare, recreation, and communities for everyone. Innovations such as curb cuts, closed captioning, voice-to-text technology, and accessible design were created through disability advocacy—and today they benefit millions of people every day.
🎉 Ways to Celebrate Locally
1. Disability Joy Block Party (Portland, OR)
📅 Date & Time: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍Location: 2446 SE Ladd Avenue, Portland, OR (Street between PHAME and Community Vision)
Details: Hosted by PHAME and Community Vision, this free mini-festival features live music, dance performances, local food vendors, and hands-on art projects in a car-free, fully accessible street and parking garage setting.
Portland Art Museum Disability Pride Programming (Portland, OR) 📅 Date & Time: July 2nd; First Thursday of the month 📍 Location: Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR Details: The museum hosts free-admission events featuring tactile art experiences, sign-language (ASL) interpreted tours, and short films by disabled artists.
Disability Pride Flag & Community Initiatives (Vancouver, WA)
📅 Date & Time: Throughout July 2026 📍 Location: City Hall & Various Community Centers, Vancouver, WA
Details: The city celebrates with Disability Pride Flag displays, proclamations, and accessible outdoor events. You can pick up Disability Pride stickers at Vancouver City Hall, Firstenburg, and Marshall/Luepke Community Centers.
📍 Eugene Events
Strength in Neurodiversity Summer Festival & Pool Party: Celebrate Disability Pride Month with a free community festival [Strength in Neurodiversity Festival & Pool Party - Tockify, 3rd Annual Strength in Neurodiversity Summer Festival & Pool Party]. Hosted by Eugene Adaptive Rec and the ARC of Lane County [Strength in Neurodiversity Festival & Pool Party - Tockify], the event features games, swimming, treats, and booths from local disability resource organizations. It takes place on Friday, July 24, 2026 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) at the Amazon Pool (2600 Hilyard St) , which is exclusively reserved for individuals with disabilities, their friends, and families [Strength in Neurodiversity Festival & Pool Party - Tockify].
📍 Salem Events
Programs for Accessible Learning (PAL) Disability Pride Dance Party: The Salem Public Library is hosting a special celebration designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. The event includes a 15-minute sensory-friendly storytime with puppets, songs, and bubbles, followed by a guided chair dance party and cake. It takes place on Thursday, July 9, 2026 (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM) at the Salem Public Library (585 Liberty St SE)
📍 Oregon City & Surrounding Areas
While Oregon City does not have a standalone Disability Pride event on the calendar, the city of Wilsonville (just a 15-minute drive from Oregon City) officially recognizes Disability Pride Month throughout July [Disability Pride Month | City of Wilsonville Oregon].
Share Your Story Encourage individuals to express themselves through art, writing, or photos. Share stories of pride and resilience on social media using hashtags like #DisabilityPrideMonth or tag @NWmentalhealth to be featured in our newsletter.
💙 Join Us in Taking Pride
We believe in dignity, community, and joy for everyone we serve. Join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month by getting involved, learning something new, and supporting inclusive spaces across Oregon.
Let’s celebrate all abilities, all month long!
Northwest Mental Health Management Services
At Northwest Mental Health Management Services, Disability Pride Month reflects the work we are honored to do every day.
We are proud to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living independent, fulfilling lives while fostering meaningful relationships and full participation in their communities.
This July, we celebrate the people we support, our dedicated Direct Support Professionals, families, and community partners who help create a more inclusive Oregon.
Because the world truly works better with all of us.
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