Living with a disability isn’t as rare as some may assume. Based on data obtained from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), approximately 54 million Americans are currently living with some form of disability.
National Disability Pride Month, which takes place every July in the U.S., serves to give such individuals an opportunity to tell their stories. Disability Pride Month may also place an emphasis on education for both those with disabilities and those without. For example, at a Disability Pride Month event, an individual might get the chance to learn more about qualifying for disability benefits.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in July of 1990. National Disability Pride Month commemorates this historic milestone.
The first Disability Pride celebration actually took place in October of 1990, when hundreds of people participated in a demonstration in Boston. However, it wasn’t until July of 2004 when the first official Disability Pride Month parade took place in Chicago.
Now, Disability Pride Month demonstrations and events take place every July in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and numerous other American cities. Some even organize Disability Pride Month events in other countries such as New Zealand and the UK, despite National Disability Pride Month celebrating an American achievement.
What are Disability Benefits?
National Disability Pride Month can draw attention to the needs of those living with disabilities while also empowering them. That said, while Disability Pride events can illustrate how individuals with disabilities continue to live fulfilling lives, it’s important to remember that disabilities can result in certain limitations.
For example, if you have a disability, you might not be able to hold down a job. Lack of steady income can prevent you from paying for basic needs.
You may qualify for disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) in these circumstances. To successfully apply for disability benefits, you’ll need to provide sufficient medical evidence showing your disability genuinely prevents you from working.
Resources
Resources for those living with disabilities include (but are not necessarily limited to):
- Nonprofits and organizations devoted to providing assistance to individuals with specific disabilities
- State benefits programs
- In-person and virtual support groups
These resources may complement or supplement the assistance the federal government offers through disability benefits. If you’re thinking about applying for disability benefits, a disability lawyer could help you determine if you meet the necessary criteria.
Considering a Disability Attorney
Do you struggle with a disability that prevents you from working and earning an income? If so, be aware that the process of applying for disability benefits is often complex. It’s not uncommon for the SSA to deny initial applications, resulting in applicants needing to file appeals to continue seeking the benefits for which they may be eligible.
These are merely a few reasons to enlist an attorney’s help when applying. A lawyer may gather the necessary medical evidence, complete and submit paperwork, and generally handle your case while you focus on your health. Get started today by taking the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected and speak with a disability attorney taking cases in your area and can help you—at zero cost to you.
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