July 8, 2026

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate disabled people, recognize disability as a natural part of human diversity, and reflect on how our communities can be more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July in connection with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.  

For families with young children, Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to start simple, meaningful conversations: How do different people move through the world? What helps everyone participate? How can playgrounds, classrooms, sidewalks, parks, and neighborhoods be designed so more people feel like they belong? 

This month’s Healthi Kids Culture Corner shares one book to read, one show to watch, and one local way to keep learning together. 

Read: We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire, illustrated by Eduardo Trejos 

We Move Together is a colorful picture book that explores the many ways people move, play, communicate, and build community. The story follows a group of children with and without disabilities as they navigate everyday spaces, notice barriers, and imagine a world where everyone can participate. The book also includes a kid-friendly glossary, making it a helpful tool for families, caregivers, and educators who want to talk with children about disability, accessibility, and inclusion.  

  • Conversation starter: “What helps everyone feel welcome when we play, learn, or go places together?” 

Watch: Best Foot Forward 

Best Foot Forward, available on Apple TV+ and other streaming platforms, is a family-friendly series about Josh, a 12-year-old who is starting public school after being homeschooled. Josh has a prosthetic leg, and the show follows him as he makes friends, tries new activities, navigates school life, and learns to speak up for himself. Apple lists the series as TV-G, with 10 episodes that are about 22 minutes each.  

While the main character is older than preschool age, the show can still be a meaningful family watch for early elementary children and older siblings. It offers a positive way to talk about disability without making disability the only part of who someone is. 

  • Conversation starter: “What are some things that make Josh a good friend, student, and teammate?” 

Keep Learning: Visit an Inclusive Play Space 

Families can continue the conversation by visiting an inclusive or accessible play space and inviting children to become “accessibility detectives.” Ask children to look for ramps, smooth paths, different kinds of swings, quiet areas, benches, shade, restrooms, and other features that help more children and caregivers participate. 

In the Rochester area, families can explore inclusive playground options such as Shadow Pines Inclusive Playground, Rothfuss Park Inclusive Playground, and Miracle Field Playground, which are listed as accessible or inclusive play spaces for young children and families. Families can also learn more about inclusive recreation through Rochester Accessible Adventures, a local organization working to expand access to recreation, sports, tourism, and wellness opportunities across Greater Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York. Let Kids Play!, is a national resource for finding, building and learning more about inclusive and accessible playgrounds. 

  • Conversation starters: Can everyone get into this play space? Are there places to roll, walk, climb, swing, rest, and take a break? What would make this space easier for more people to enjoy? 

Disability pride is about belonging. When children see disability represented in books, shows, playgrounds, and community spaces, they learn that every child deserves to participate, play, and be celebrated.