Celebrating Disability Pride!

We are celebrating Disability Pride Month this July with artists and musicians at the San Diego Able ARTS Work Day Program. They shared with us their thoughts on disability pride and some goals and dreams for the future.

Joshua Andrews in center under colorful parachute at San Diego Able ARTS Work

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What does “Disability Pride” mean to you?

It means being proud of your disabilities. I am proud of how far I’ve come. – Liam Porter

Confidence. Inspiration. Bravery. – Sarah Shaw

My disability pride is advocating for myself and reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien – Kaitlyn Johanson

I am proud of our moms. And what they have done for us and our community. Our friends have fought for us and our kids. They advocate. They make us feel empowered and they empower the next generation. They fight for change and justice. – Sam Beyer

Sarah Shaw poses in her wheelchair outside San Diego Able ARTS Work

What is your favorite thing about having a disability, if any?

You don’t have to wait in lines at amusement parks. They don’t have programs like this for regular people. Regular people have to do hard work. We don’t have to. – Sarah Shaw

Singing, art, exercising a little bit with my arms and walking a mile. - Anonymous

Claire Feth in the recording booth San Diego Able ARTS Work

What do you wish people understood better about you or about disabilities?

I wish people understood that I’m unique and different ways than other people. I have a different fashion style. – Liam Porter

I wish they understood what I can do and what I can’t do. I don’t like when people underestimate me. When I talk to people they either ignore me or just say ‘hmm’—I wish they would know to ask me what I said so I can repeat myself. Also, I wish people were more aware and that kids didn’t stare and say nothing. It’s really awkward. I can go places and do pretty much anything other people can do in my own way and on my own time. – Sarah Shaw

I wish people understood that there are 5 people in my head and they control my mouth and what I say. – Amanda Terrones

Santiago Milanino, wearing a mask, paints at an easel at San Diego Able ARTS Work

What are your goals in life? What do you want to achieve?

Helping people, sharing, and serving. – Kaitlyn Johanson

I want to create more art and be in theatre. I may want to be an artist someday. I might start a theatre business. – Liam Porter

I want to make albums. I want to help special needs kids. – Sarah Shaw

I want to be a songwriter. – Stephanie Monis