Every year in July, Disability Pride Month celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. The event aims to change the way people think about disability. It promotes all types of disability as a natural part of human diversity.
Disability Pride Month has been celebrated in the United States since July 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act came into law. Today, it is celebrated around the world, including in Canada, where 22 per cent or 6.2 million Canadians live with a disability.
“Disability is not only an identity, but also a community with a diverse culture all their own to be proud of and celebrated. Disability culture is about visibility and self-value. Disability Pride Month is a time for recognizing these facts and listening to people with disabilities.”
From Ontario’s Bill 128 – “Disability Pride Month Act, 2023”
Source: Disability Pride Month – Canadian Association for Supported Employment
Library Resources
ORL Accessibility Services
The ORL strives to support patrons with diverse needs through a variety of collections, programs, and services. Please visit our Accessibility Services page to learn more.
Library of Things
As part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion, the ORL’s Library of Things offers hands-on kits that promote understanding of diverse experiences. The borrowable kits below are designed to increase awareness, spark curiosity, and encourage learning about disability through interactive exploration.
Vision Tech Kits
Discover how people with low vision use adaptive tools to navigate the world. This kit includes magnifiers, large-print and tactile materials, a ReaderPen, colour-blind lenses, and guided activities to help you explore each item.
Braille Discovery Kits
Learn Braille through touch, play, and creativity. This interactive kit introduces the Braille alphabet and numbers with:
- LEGO Braille Bricks – A playful way to practice Braille letters and numbers.
- Braille Alphabet and Numbers Activity – an interactive activity using tennis balls and a muffin tin to reinforce your learning and help you master the Braille alphabet and numbers.
Whether you’re just starting or building on existing skills, this kit offers an inclusive and engaging introduction.
Request the Braille Discovery Kit.
Booklists
ORL Reads: Disability Pride Month – Resources for Adults
ORL Reads: Disability Pride Month – Resources for Kids
For more library materials, try these subject headings, electronic resources, or check with reference staff for more materials:
- Disabilities
- People with disabilities
- Children with disabilities
- Discrimination against people with disabilities
Online Resources
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
CELA is a collection of accessible materials for customers with print disabilities and professionals who work with people with print disabilities.
National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)
NNELS is a collection of accessible, downloadable titles for Canadians with print disabilities.
Film and documentaries on Kanopy
Kanopy Streaming Films has curated a list of films and documentaries for Disability Pride Month: Films for Disability Pride Month | Kanopy
Dystinct Magazine on OverDrive Magazine
Dystinct Magazine is the ultimate resource of inspiration and information for families and educators of children with learning difficulties. Exclusive interviews and content within the magazine, giving you insights into the world of learning difficulties – dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia. Dystinct is a platform for children with learning difficulties to have their stories told and voices heard.
Please connect with library staff if you have issues accessing these online resources.
Additional External Resources
A wealth of Canadian-based information on everything from Arts to Employment to Sexuality. Includes a directory of online Canadian resources on disability.
CNIB: Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Research, information, and help for those with vision loss. Their library now includes many electronic books.
Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA)
Information about their programs and opportunities for those with autism spectral disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, Downs’ Syndrome and many other developmental disabilities, and their caregivers.
Advocacy, programs, education, news and links to other BC and Canadian resources.
Government of BC. Services for People with Disabilities.
A listing of programs and services available for people with disabilities in BC.
Government of Canada. Disability Benefits.
Includes information on disability pensions and children’s benefits, education funding, savings plans, and a gasoline tax refund program.
A national Indigenous not-for-profit Society serving the unique and diverse disability needs of Indigenous peoples across Canada. IDC/BCANDS is a “stand alone” organization and is one of the only organizations of its type in Canada.
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
A national, non-profit volunteer organization that looks to promote public awareness about learning disabilities through advocacy and education. Find informational resources about various learning disabilities, employment, and education options for those with learning disabilities, and more.
March of Dimes Canada provides a wide range of services to people with disabilities throughout the country.
Assistive technology and innovative programs and services for those with physical disabilities.
Programs and initiatives to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential.
Disability Pride Month is a time to honour disability as an essential part of human diversity and identity. Please explore the ORL’s resources to learn more, celebrate inclusion, and support a more accessible future.
— ORL Access Services and Adult Services, July 2025
