FOR MANY YEARS, Dr. Laurie Crawford has advocated for people with disabilities. The special education teacher and member of Stockton Teachers Assn. is acutely aware of how society, including public education, tends to discriminate against and isolate those with disabilities instead of integrating them fully into mainstream life and work.

“As educators we really focus on disability from a special education perspective — which is critically important — but not a lot beyond that,” she says.

Dr. Laurie Crawford

Crawford, a CTA State Council delegate, saw an opportunity to expand members’ awareness of disability and actions to ensure social justice related to disability. She spearheaded CTA’s official recognition and support for Disability Pride Month in July, starting in July 2025. The month is a time to break down barriers by learning about the history, contributions, achievements, experiences and struggles of people with disabilities. The month coincides with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990.

As part of its commitment, CTA will provide educational opportunities for members to develop a deeper understanding of disability as a social justice and civil rights issue.

“It’s important to educate about ableism (discrimination in favor of able-bodied people), which impacts our education systems for students, families and educators, and should monitor relevant legislation,” says Crawford.

This includes working to expand awareness of barriers that may prohibit full participation in CTA and local chapter activities.

“For example, how can our union support members who need sign language interpreters, or who are hard of hearing or visually impaired?”

One in seven, or 14%, of California public school students currently receive disability services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), close to the 15% nationwide. IDEA was signed into law in 1975 and re-authorized in 1990 and 2004. While Congress committed to covering 40% of IDEA costs, it has never funded more than 17%. Advocacy groups such as the IDEA Alliance point out that full funding would bring $30 billion annually to schools, resulting in better outcomes for students with disabilities and improved conditions for special education educators.

“Full funding of IDEA would allow for the level of support students with disabilities require but do not always get and services that are currently not funded but are needed,” says Crawford.

Crawford looks forward to expanded opportunities to educate fellow union members and communities about how everyone has value and can contribute to society, and that those with disabilities should have equal opportunities to engage with others — including at school, to attend college and to find fulfilling employment.

Disability Pride Month

THIS ANNUAL CELEBRATION takes place in July. It is rooted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions and identities of people with disabilities. It’s a time to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion and work toward greater equality for individuals with disabilities. The 2025 theme, chosen by The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates, is “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay,” emphasizing the vital role of people with disabilities in our communities.

The Disability Pride Flag is composed of a number of colors that are of great significance:
• Charcoal gray background: In memory of the victims of ableist abuse and violence, including children or those killed, suicides or individuals who suffered from negligence
• Diagonal band: Cutting across the barriers blocking people with disabilities from full participation, integration and inclusion in society
• Red stripe: Physical disabilities (chronic pain/fatigue, mobility impairment, loss of limbs)
• Gold stripe: Neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, dyslexia)
• White stripe: Undiagnosed and invisible disabilities
• Blue stripe: Psychiatric disabilities (depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc.)
• Green stripe: Sensory disabilities (hearing loss, visual impairments, etc.)

Disability Rights Movement:

“Nothing About Us Without Us”

The disability rights movement is a civil rights movement that advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. It aims to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility and freedom from discrimination for individuals with disabilities.

The movement has led to major legislative changes, like the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas of public life, and the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education
and related services to those children.

For more information about the movement, visit carsplus.org.