July is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, observed each July, celebrates the history, achievements, identities, and contributions of people with disabilities while recognizing disability as a natural part of human diversity. The month also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Visibility, Access, and Justice

True inclusion extends beyond awareness. Visibility means ensuring that individuals with disabilities are represented, heard, and respected without having to mask or minimize their experiences. Access means identifying and removing barriers that prevent equitable participation in healthcare, education, employment, and community life. Justice requires actively addressing systemic inequities that disproportionately impact disabled individuals and advocating for environments where everyone can thrive.

Mental health professionals play a vital role in creating spaces that are welcoming, affirming, and accessible for clients with physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, and invisible disabilities. Accessibility is not a one-time accommodation; it is an ongoing commitment to equity.

Accessibility Audit Challenge for Private Practices

This Disability Pride Month, challenge your practice to evaluate how accessible your services truly are. Consider asking:

• Is your office physically accessible for individuals with mobility needs?
• Does your website meet basic digital accessibility standards, including screen reader compatibility and readable fonts?
• Are intake forms available in multiple formats or languages when needed?
• Do you offer telehealth or flexible scheduling to reduce barriers to care?
• Are your communication methods accessible for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or neurodivergent clients?
• Do your policies and clinical documentation use respectful, person-centered, and affirming language?
• Have staff received training on disability inclusion, ableism, and culturally responsive care?

Promoting Disability Inclusion in Clinical Practice

Disability inclusion means creating clinical spaces where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and able to access care. Beyond awareness, clinicians can take meaningful steps to reduce barriers and promote equity.

Ways to build a more inclusive practice include:

• Use respectful, affirming language that recognizes disability as an important part of human diversity.

• Improve accessibility by evaluating physical spaces, websites, intake forms, and communication methods.

• Offer flexible care options such as telehealth, accommodations, and individualized supports when appropriate.

• Challenge ableism by examining assumptions, increasing disability awareness, and using strengths-based approaches.

• Continue learning through disability justice education and by listening to the experiences of disabled individuals.

• Include disability in DEI efforts by recognizing disability as a key aspect of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DEI Committee Meeting Notes

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-8 via Zoom

Please email the DEI chair at deictamft.org for the Zoom link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Oqb7s612rXtvl1ll79iGFPh4Ynwj_cNo?usp=sharing

Meeting Schedule for 2026

No meeting in June 2026 due to CTAMFT Conference

July 22, 2026- RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY

August 18, 2026

Septemeber 15, 2026

October 20, 2026

November 17, 2026

December 15, 2026