Disability Pride Day

A Poem by Sarah Trites of Maine

We celebrate important events in our lives,

Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, too.

We say congratulations

And throw a party or two.

It’s important to come together

To share in others’ joy.

To hear them say,

“You matter. I am so proud of you!”

But there’s one group of people

Who need to hear this, too.

They need to hear something positive

Said about them and all that they can do.

We are people who struggle every day

To overcome the barriers that are placed in our way.

We need an affirmation of our importance to you.

We are doing the best that we can.

We don’t feel sorry for ourselves.

Why should you?

I am me,

And you are you.

Let’s therefore celebrate

And gather, too,

To hear the shouts,

“You matter!”

It is in this spirit that I will say

To all who gather here today,

“Congratulations on your disability,

On this Disability Pride Day!”