Bellingham Public Library Celebrates Ability Diversity and Disability Pride in July

Disability Pride Month recognizes the value of all humans, while honoring ability diversity and inclusion. It is celebrated annually in the U.S. in July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

Bellingham Public Library celebrates with books and materials about Ability Diversity and Disability Pride highlighted at all Library locations in July.

“The act of reading outside of your experience increases empathy. It broadens our understanding of humanity and our ideas about who we are and about what we can be.”

– Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing

Many of us experience lifelong challenges that impact, and yet often enrich, our lives. When considering ability diversity, it’s important to remember that not all challenges are visible to the eye, and not all differences are considered disabilities by those living with them. Reading about the lived experience of others is a valuable way to find understanding and connection, and it’s equally important to see ourselves reflected and represented in the stories we read.

Ability Awareness Books for Children

An adult man in a wheelchair and his mother holding up a book and pointing to a picture of him as a child on the cover.

Bellingham Public Library Specialist Amy recommends Friends at Work and Play by Rochelle Bunnett. Her son Garrett was 5 years old when he was photographed for the children’s book. He is now 32!

“The message in Friends at Work and Play is simple. Everyone’s contribution counts. Each one of us has an important role to play in helping to make our communities better places to live, regardless of our backgrounds or abilities. We can nurture your helpers by ensuring that we provide meaningful experiences for children everyday and by letting them know how much we value their contributions.” – from Friends at Work and Play

“I wanted to share this because I remember when Garrett was younger other kids his age would be either afraid or nervous about approaching him because he uses a wheelchair. It was so great and uplifting to see Garrett and the other ‘typical’ children experiencing these activities together, and that they could all work together cooperatively. I hope the book has encouraged other children and adults alike to not be as apprehensive when interacting with others with disabilities. It was a fun experience and we were very fortunate to participate!” – Amy

Ability Awareness Book Lists for Kids

Ability Awareness: Picture Books

A variety of beautiful board books, picture books and simple non-fiction. These books share experiences and perspectives of disabled bodies and minds.

Ability Awareness for Children

These books share experiences and perspectives of disabled people. Enjoy their incredible stories!

Ability Diversity Books for Teens

Disability in Fiction for Teens

Disability in Fiction Book List

Teen books featuring characters with a diversity of abilities.

Ability Diversity Books for Adults

Adult Nonfiction and Fiction Book Lists

Adult Nonfiction

A list of nonfiction items created in honor of Disability Pride month

Adult Fiction

Adult fiction featuring characters with various physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.

Nolo’s Guide to Social Security Disability by David A. Morton

“Note the date of publication: 2026. Rules surrounding disability have changed a lot in the last year, and this guide provides both a helpful overview of the process of applying for disability, and some very new and specific information.”

– Karen, Public Services Clerk

Disability Pride Films on Kanopy

Still photo of Temple Grandin from the film Open Door.

The Bellingham Public Library has a great selection of films to choose from, and also provides access for you to stream films from Kanopy for free! To find eFilms and eDocumentaries, use your library card to sign up with Kanopy. Access them on your computer, mobile device or TV.

Kanopy has great films available for Disability Pride Month. To explore these titles, visit Kanopy Disability Pride Month selections. The Library’s DVD collection also features some fantastic movies that are available for you to browse in person!

BPL Ability Diversity Services for Patrons

Northwest Regional Council staff person in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library — Northwest Regional Council in Skillshare at Bellingham Central Library.

Some of the resources available at the Library include:

Hearing Loops at Public Service desks
Closed circuit TV (magnification device) for the visually impaired (Central Library)
Magnifying glass and reading glasses for in-house use (Central Library)
SkillShare programs that provide information for folks in need of resources.

Disability Pride Events

Sunday, July 26, Whatcom County Inclusion Festival at Zuanich Park, 11 am – 6 pm. Everyone is welcome! Celebrate disability pride, neurodiversity, inclusion access and belonging.