Disability Pride

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Remastered image of the Disability Pride Month flag with green, blue, white, gold, and red diaganol color blocks going down the center of the image. Text on the image says, #DisabilityPROUD." Pathfinder's branded graphic is on the top right of the image on a dark colored background.

🌟 July is Disability Pride Month! 🌟

All month long, we’ve been celebrating the experiences, achievements, and stories of the disability community with our #DisabilityProud campaign. During this campaign, we’re highlighting a few of our amazing community members, asking them thoughtful questions about what disability pride means to them and how it shapes their lives.

Through their voices, we’ll explore the moments, challenges, and victories that inspire pride and connection. Join us as we honor their perspectives and celebrate the varied ways disability is a powerful part of identity.

Follow along with #DisabilityProud on our social media pages @TNPathfinder to hear their stories and share your own! Let’s come together to celebrate this month with pride and purpose. ♿🌟

Yellow background image with a picture on the right of the image of Terrell Brown wearing a red sleeveless shirt, gray pants, and black shoes outlside in front of a marker that says, "Silver Springs State Park." Below the image is text, "IMAGE provided by The Brown Family." On the top left of the image is green text "What is one strength you’re proud of that comes from being autistic?," and a quote from Terrell Brown, 30, Murfreesboro, TN "I have a desire to work. I like helping people." Below isRemastered image of the Disability Pride Month flag with green, blue, white, gold, and red diaganol color blocks going down the center of the image. Text on the image says, #DisabilityPROUD." Pathfinder's branded graphic is on the top right of the image on a dark colored background.

Meet Terrell Brown, 30 year 30-year-old hard worker who has a passion for helping people.

“He loves to help people,” said Linda Brown, his mother. “He’d do anything for anyone, and it makes him proud to do it.”

Terrell is neurodivergent and lives as independently as he can, while bringing cheer to all those he meets. He loves animals, especially snakes, and likes to collect samurai swords. He loves all the babies and children in his family, and they love it when he’s around.

We asked Terrel, “What is one strength you’re proud of that comes from being autistic?”  He said, “I have a desire to work. I like helping people.”

Terrell certainly makes us proud! #DisabilityProud

Orange background featuring Peach Chinratanalab, with a picture on the right of the image of Peach Chinratanalab sitting in a wheelchair, wearing green glasses, a denim and pearls jacket, a pink top, and colorful pants. She is sitting in a brown and tan colored room and is smiling so effervescently. Green text reads, "What do you wish more people understood about your strengths as a person with a disability?" with her quote: "Having a disability doesn't mean you can't be a productive citizen." Below is the Disability Pride Month flag and text "#DisabilityPROUD." Pathfinder's logo appears in the top right. Image credit: Peach Chinratanalab

She’s as sweet as the fruit she’s named after. This Peach, however, is an extremely hard worker who has, despite her challenges, done some amazing things at a very young age. Peach has volunteered for several organizations, including Pathfinder,  and graduated from the Next Steps program at Vanderbilt University. She even has a podcast called “Not So Speechless: Conversations on Neurodiversity.”

She said nothing will stop her from doing things that make her a productive citizen.. That’s one of her strengths, or should we say superpowers? Either way, Peach’s positive attitude and determination have gained her many wins in her life, and she is #DisabilityProud!

 

Pink background image with a picture on the right of the image of Orline Shaw-Lewis, 85, Nashville, TN sitting in a wheelchair and holding on to handle bars of a physical therapy exercise machine, wearing a pink 2-piece sweat pants suit and black tennis shoes with gold jewelry and light-colored glasses. She has long graying hair slicked back into a ponytail. Below the image is text, "IMAGE provided by The Thomas Family." On the top left of the image is green text "What support has helped you thrive and use your strengths to their fullest?," and a quote from Shaw-Lewis, “My daughter, my family has been everything to me!” Below is a remastered image of the Disability Pride Month flag with green, blue, white, gold, and red diaganol color blocks going down the center of the image. Text on the image says, #DisabilityPROUD." Pathfinder's branded graphic is on the top right of the image on a dark colored background.

There’s no doubt about it, this lady sure knows how to live her life like it’s golden. From her dazzling jewelry to her zest for life even when times are hard, she says, “Life is good!”

She also relayed that her biggest support system is her daughter and her family. She loves spending time with them, and even when memories get a little blurry, she has no problem identifying the love and support she gets from them. She also loves listening to music. Her favorite genres are gospel and the blues.

“My daughter and my family have been everything to me!” she said about her support system.

That is alright, Ms. Orline Shaw-Lewis! We love family just like you do! Give them lots of hugs, and we’re sending a big hug your way too! #DisabilityProud