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07.01.2025
Beyond Shame: How Disability Pride Boosts Mental Health and Fights Ableism
Kathleen Bogart, PhD
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July 1, 2025
Beyond Shame: How Disability Pride Boosts Mental Health and Fights Ableism
Authored by: Kathleen Bogart, PhD
Why July Matters
Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month. This month honors the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a law passed 35 years ago that protects the rights of people with disabilities.
What Is Ableism?
Ableism is when people think or act like those with disabilities are "less than."
It can show up as:
- Leaving out people with disabilities
- Saying or sharing harmful messages
- Ignoring accessibility needs
When people believe these messages about themselves, it’s called internalized ableism. It can lead to shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
What Is Disability Pride?
Disability pride means feeling good about being disabled. It’s about:
- Knowing your disability is part of your identity
- Celebrating your strengths and creativity
- Connecting with others in the disability community
Disability pride is not pretending everything is perfect. Life with a disability has real challenges. But many struggles come from ableism, not the disability itself. That’s why the ADA was so important—it aimed to remove unfair barriers.
How Disability Pride Helps Mental Health
Studies show that people who feel disability pride often have:
- Lower depression and anxiety
- Higher self-esteem
- More interest in advocacy and community
In one study, people with multiple sclerosis who felt pride had better mental health. Another study found that those born with mobility disabilities had stronger pride and well-being than those who acquired a disability later in life.
Disability pride can help protect self-esteem from the effects of ableism. One study found that when people experienced ableism, they were more likely to feel disability pride—and that pride was linked to higher self-esteem. In fact, people who feel proud of their disability are more likely to get involved in advocacy and activism. These kinds of efforts helped lead to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disability pride helps people feel stronger and more connected.
Ways to Build Disability Pride and Mental Health
- Reflect on your experience
Think about how your disability has shaped your life. What challenges have you faced? What strengths have you gained? Ask yourself if any of your beliefs about disability come from internalized ableism.
- Find the right therapist
If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, look for a therapist trained in disability issues.
Some keywords to look for:
- Rehabilitation psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Disability-Affirmative Therapy
Ask during a consultation: “Have you worked with disabled clients before?” “Are you knowledgeable about ableism?”
- Learn the history
Explore the disability rights movement, how the ADA was passed, and how activism continues today. Also check out books, podcasts, and art by disabled creators!
- Connect with others
Many people with disabilities don’t have even one disabled friend. But research shows that just one friendship in the disability community can improve mental health. Look for:
- Online support groups
- Disability conferences
- Peer mentoring programs
5. Get involved
Join or volunteer with a disability organization.
Advocating for access and fairness helps others—and builds your own confidence too.
Final Thoughts
Disability pride is more than personal-it’s powerful. It helps fight stigma, change harmful ideas, and make the world more welcoming.
When we treat disability as a form of human diversity, everyone benefits. Through pride, connection, and advocacy, we honor the past and shape a future where no one must feel ashamed or struggle with mental health issues.
Kathleen Bogart, PhD
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