Celebrating Disability Pride Month: July Events & Community Connections in Oregon
- Michael Merrill
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Posted by Northwest Mental Health Management Services
July is Disability Pride Month — a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of individuals with disabilities, while also promoting visibility, accessibility, and inclusion in our communities.
At Northwest Mental Health Management Services, we are proud to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day. This month, we’re encouraging everyone to join in the celebration and take part in local events and activities that uplift and empower the disability community.
🌟 What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990, a landmark moment in civil rights history. It’s a time to highlight disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity—and to challenge stigma through advocacy, celebration, and unity.
🎉 Ways to Celebrate Locally
1. Attend a Local Event or Festival
Disability Pride Concert in Woodlawn Park
📅 Friday, August 1, 2025 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 📍Woodlawn Park 6854 NE Claremont Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Join us for an evening of powerful performances and community celebration. As part of Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free For All series, this event is free and open to all. Headlining the evening is local salsa band Conjunto Alegre, with additional live performances by PHAME musicians. Bring a picnic blanket or low-back chair, invite your friends and family, and spend a beautiful summer evening with PHAME!
People’s Day in the Park – Salem, OR 📅 Sunday, July 14 📍 Riverfront Park This inclusive family-friendly event features art, food, live performances, and a community resource fair.
Seattle Disability Arts Festival – Seattle WA
📅 Saturday, July 12 • 12 PM – 5 PM 📍 Pier 62, Waterfront Park, Seattle
Join us at the inaugural Seattle Disability Arts Festival, a vibrant community celebration in honor of Disability Pride Month! This free all-ages event showcases music, dance, visual art, spoken word, clowning, and even a pageant of decorated mobility devices. With live performances and interactive displays set against scenic waterfront views, it’s a powerful way to uplift creativity and disability identity in action.
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.
Visit a Museum or Cultural Site with Accessibility in Mind
Many Portland-area museums, such as OMSI and the Portland Art Museum, offer sensory-friendly days and ADA-compliant access. Take this time to enjoy and explore while also supporting inclusive public spaces.
💙 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.
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