Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee – July 2026

Terri Gulyas, Chair

Disability Rights: From Awareness to Allyship

July is a meaningful time to reflect on disability rights and inclusion. This month marks the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and has helped expand access to employment, education, transportation, public accommodations, and civic participation. While significant progress has been made, barriers and misconceptions remain, making disability awareness and advocacy as important today as ever.

One way to deepen our understanding is through the power of storytelling. Two excellent books are Disability Visibilityand Demystifying Disability. The first, Disability Visibility, presents powerful first-person accounts that highlight the diversity of disability experiences, while Demystifying Disability offers practical guidance for building more respectful and inclusive communities. Together, these books challenge ableist assumptions and encourage us to become stronger allies.

These books are the foundation of the Unity in Our Community: From Ableism to Allies initiative sponsored by the AAUW Beaver Dam Branch. The program will culminate on September 9 at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater, beginning with a ballroom and aerial dance performance by wheelchair artist Martha Siravo of Madison, followed by a community panel discussion featuring individuals with disabilities. We encourage members and friends throughout the state to join this shared reading experience, spread the word, and help create communities where everyone belongs.