History
On July 26, 1990 the American Disabilities Act was signed into law. Using the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a model, ADA would work to limit discrimination of disabilities. While there is a long way to go, it would be a huge victory. That year the first parade was held was held in Boston; since then the anniversary day and month have been celebrated disabled pride.
Overcoming Flag
While looking for ideas to celebrate, I did find several flags. The first would be a tri-color flag of the three medals in the Paralympic Games. A relatively new flag from 2017, this flag is known as the "Overcoming Flag" or the "Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities." Designed by Eros Recio (the only professional ballet dancer with down syndrome), the flag seems to be popular throughout Latin America and Spanish-speaking countries.
Disability Pride Flag
The next flag is the most popular in the United States to represent disabled community pride, however the flag posed some issues. The flag featured a zigzag across that when scrolling on social media apps caused a strobe effect which was determined could cause seizures, migraines, disorientation and other types of eye strain. The color scheme also needed revised to lessen that effect and help visibility for color blindness. The same disabled artist, Ann Magill, redesigned the flag in October 2021.
The black has been lightened for screen use.
"Having All Six "Standard" Flag Colors: signifying that Disability Community is pan-national, spanning borders between states and nations.
The Black Field: Mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse
The Diagonal Band: "Cutting across" the walls and barriers that separate the disabled from normate society, also light and creativity cutting through the darkness
The White Stripe: Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities
The Red Stripe: Physical Disabilities
The Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence
The Blue Stripe: Psychiatric Disabilities
The Green Stripe: Sensory Disabilities" - Ann Magill
Our Merch
Using the disability pride flag, I tried to create buttons that were inclusive to all disabilities. First, I researched fonts to make sure it was most accessible. I learned that "Sans Serif" fonts had higher readability due to the block-like text and lack of decorations on the top and bottom of letters. Next for the images without the flag as the background, I found color schemes that increased readability.
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