Celebrating Disability Pride at Disney
July is Disability Pride Month and throughout the year, we celebrate our employees, consumers, and fans with disabilities around the world through the power of our unparalleled storytelling, iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies.
There are numerous ways you can celebrate Disability Pride Month with us:
- ABC Owned Television Stations Local-ish will feature relevant stories and opportunities.
- ABC News Nightline will air a segment highlighting the importance of American Sign Language.
- National Geographic will spotlight Oscar winner Troy Kotsur on Running Wild with Bear Grylls airing 7/30. Home in the Wild featured Wesley Baird, a 4-year-old who lives with FOXG1 Syndrome. The series started airing on National Geographic on 5/2 and Disney+ on 6/28.
- Disney Branded Television will air Mickey Mornings “Birthday” Song in American Sign Language on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
- Disney Branded Television’s Pupstruction’s will premiere a new episode “Wishbone Comet” highlighting the importance of accessibility on 7/28.
We are all greater than a single story and we all deserve to feel seen, heard and understood, not only during heritage months, but year-round.
Last year, The Walt Disney Company’s continued dedication to furthering inclusion and diversity in the entertainment industry was demonstrated with a $1 million multi-year grant made to Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit creative arts academy for young adults on the autism spectrum.
Disney’s donation helps advance Exceptional Minds’ mission to support neurodiverse artists cultivate their skills through customized training and hands-on experience, which prepares the artists to launch careers in digital arts and animation. Many Exceptional Minds graduates successfully land roles in the industry, and we are proud to have several alumni working at various studios within Disney.
The grant is part of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, which is The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators. From arts and STEM education for school-age children, to scholarships, mentoring, and creative and technical skill-building for teens and young adults, Disney is helping today’s youth dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.
More surprises from your favorite Disney brands will be shared throughout the month, and be sure to follow @ReimagineTomorrow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share ways you plan to celebrate the month.
