Join the Disability Pride Revolution.
#DWORD
Disability is not a bad word.
Disability Network Southwest Michigan is proud to launch the #DWord campaign. This campaign aims to change the way our current culture views the word disability. Instead of avoiding the word with euphemisms like special needs, handicapable, or differently-abled, simply use the word disability. Say it loud and proud: Disability is not a bad word!
At Disability Network Southwest Michigan, we are people with disabilities advancing justice, access, and inclusion for the Disability Community. We believe disability is human diversity like being female, left-handed, or Latino. Disability pride is about recognizing and celebrating the unique identities, cultures, and experiences of disabled people and rejecting society’s notion that disability is somehow bad. By embracing disability pride, we build stronger communities and a movement of inclusion and acceptance for all.
Sign up for our newsletter!
What does Disability Pride mean to You?
Regardless of if you have a disability, YOU can be part of the disability pride movement. Tell us what disability pride is to you by sharing your thoughts on our Instagram or Facebook pages and your own social media using #DWORD and #DWORDPRIDE.
My disability represents rebellion. I have pride in who I am despite society telling me my disability is bad.
- Kristen
Disability Pride means viewing myself as a whole and beautiful neurodivergent person instead of a broken neurotypical person.
– Max (they/them)
No one who has a disability is less than anyone else. That's what disability pride means to me - having pride in yourself regardless of what someone else thinks of you.
- Jerry
I do not feel dismayed having a disability. Just like my green eyes it is a part of what makes me who I am.
- Kathy
Disability Pride is showing our communities that having a disability is just another characteristic of a person, like being tall or being left handed. There isn’t anything wrong with having a disability. It simply is a natural part of the human experience.
- Lisa
Disability Pride is a journey. There are days I may feel upset or uncomfortable about my body. I may be frustrated by other’s misunderstandings. Right now, Disability Pride is the ability to know myself, my disabilities, and educate others with encouragement.
- Sarah P.
To me, disability pride means being proud of who I am and confidently asking for the accommodations I need.
- Miranda
My neurodiversity fuels my creativity, which is part of what makes me unique. How boring would it be to be just like everyone else? I’m proud to be me.
- Allison
Represent with #DWORD merch!
Join the Disability Pride revolution and showcase your support for the movement. Join us in celebrating the strength and achievements of disabled individuals.
Update: Disability Network Southwest Michigan has paused sales of #DWORD shirts, sweatshirts, and other merchandise at this time. Fear not! Sales will resume again in the future. Please provide your information via the Sign Up for an Onsale Alert! button below to receive an email notification when items are again available for purchase. Thank you for your interest in #DWORD merchandise and supporting the Disability Pride Revolution.
How to Be A Better Ally
Being a disability ally isn’t a credential to earn, it’s an intentional way of supporting the disability community. Regardless of where we’re at on our Disability Pride journey, we all have ways we can become stronger and better allies - and it starts with building our knowledge.
We are part of a Disability Network.
Find Your Local Disability Advocacy Organization