Disability Pride Month Reflections
ADA logo Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org) 1-800-949-4232
July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, with July 26, 2026 marking the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is an important civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. As a program, The Shalom Project celebrates and affirms the gifts of all people, and seeks to continue to grow in becoming more fully inclusive.
We asked some Shalom Project board members who have personal and/or professional connection to disability if they would share some reflections around the topic of disability pride, awareness, and advocacy.
Natalie Hazbun, photo credit Lydia Nolt
Natalie Hazbun, a Shalom Project alumna and board member, said “In honor of Disability Pride Month, I wanted to share a little about my own experience with disability.
“I have Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a rare genetic condition that occurred as a spontaneous mutation, meaning I'm the only person in my family with it. While many people would describe my case as "mild," it has still brought challenges to my life.
“Growing up, I struggled with things that often went unnoticed: fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and visual-spatial challenges. Sports and other activities that seemed to come naturally to my peers were often frustrating for me, and those differences made it harder to connect with others. Much of my experience with disability has been invisible, and for a long time I struggled with identifying myself as disabled because my experiences didn't look the same as those of some peers with NF1 who had more visible or significant symptoms, or people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Over time, I've realized that disability is not a bad word—it's an identity that deserves the same respect, acceptance, and pride as any other.
“Living with NF1 has shaped my perspective, strengthened my empathy, and influenced the path I've chosen in social work and disability advocacy. It has helped me better understand the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
“Disability Pride Month isn't about pretending disability is easy or that I wouldn't change parts of my experience. It's about recognizing that disability is a natural part of human diversity and that disabled people deserve acceptance, accessibility, inclusion, and respect.
“To everyone living with a visible or invisible disability: your experiences are real, your voice matters, and you belong.”
Karyn Navncarvis
Karyn Nancarvis, a Shalom Project board member whose work as a chaplain at Garden Spot Village has included walking alongside people with disabilities, shared, “I’ve learned that disability is often less about what a person cannot do and more about how a community chooses to welcome, support, and include them. Every person deserves the opportunity to participate fully in community life, share their gifts, and be seen for who they are rather than for a limitation others may notice first.
“Accessibility helps, but we don’t stop there. Accessibility may take the form of ramps, large-print resources, assistive technology, or other accommodations, but its deeper purpose is creating spaces where people can participate fully and experience a true sense of belonging. Every person deserves to be valued for who they are and for what they bring to the community.”
The Shalom Project celebrates the incredible gifts of people with disabilities, and acknowledges the work that has been done and that continues to be necessary to ensure full rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. This month is a reminder to keep learning and making spaces accessible and truly welcoming for everyone.
