WHEREAS, July marks the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which ensures the civil rights, equal opportunity, and full participation of individuals with disabilities in society; and   

WHEREAS, more than one in four adults in the United States — including over 1 million Virginians — live with a visible or invisible disability, enriching our communities through their lived experiences, leadership, creativity, and advocacy; and  

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the many ways that people living with disabilities — whether physical or cognitive, visible or invisible, sensory or developmental, or acquired— add to the diversity and strength of our Commonwealth; and   

WHEREAS, it is important to actively work to dismantle ableism, physical barriers, and discriminatory practices; and  

WHEREAS, Virginia is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all people can live with dignity, equity, access, joy, and pride;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize July 2026, as DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.