Proud
July 2026 Chronic Pain Project updates, writings and tidbits
July Musings
It’s Disability Pride Month, a time to reflect on what disability means to our community. Read on for ideas of how we can take pride in our pain, struggles and accomplishments.
What Is Disability Pride?
Disability Pride Month happens each July and is tied to the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed on July 26, 1990. More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults, so over 70 million people, have a disability, and 75% of the Chronic Pain Project’s artists also identify as disabled. This month, we celebrate the resilience, advocacy and lived experiences of the disability community while continuing to advocate for accessibility, inclusion and understanding.
The Arc, a disability rights organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, shares why and how to celebrate this month:
“[Disability Pride] means disability isn’t something to hide or fix. It’s part of who we are. Everyone deserves inclusion, rights and respect, without having to earn them.”
Many people living with chronic pain identify as disabled or experience disability because of their pain. At the same time, not everyone with chronic pain identifies as disabled. Our focus this month is to bring light to a cause worth supporting and to meet our community where they are.
If you identify as disabled, what makes YOU proud about your identity? Reply below and share your story—we’d love to hear from you.
Fly the Flag
To help celebrate Disability Pride, disabled writer Ann Magill created a flag in 2021 to serve as a visual representation. The most recent rendition shows a straight diagonal banner of five colors on a dark background. The diagonal band of stripes represents cutting across barriers that disabled people face. The charcoal gray background represents mourning and rage.
Here’s what the stripes’ colors mean, in order of appearance from top to bottom:
Green is for sensory disabilities.
Blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities.
White stands for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities.
Gold is for neurodiversity (cognitive and intellectual disabilities).
Red represents physical disabilities.
Have you seen the disability flag around your town, or do you fly one at home? Let us know!
An Unexpected Icon
This month a Seattle raccoon nicknamed “Jimothy” became an online celebrity for his appearance, which is caused by short spine syndrome. The internet quickly embraced his round shape and unusual scamper, but this kindness toward a disabled animal feels opposed to how the public views humans with disabilities. As the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) posted on social media, “While we love the energy y’all have for this lil’ disabled raccoon, we also feel the need to point out: this kind of love and acceptance is exactly what disabled people have been asking for, for far too long.”
Hear from Our Artists
Not only do our artists create moving pieces, they also have fascinating life stories. In a 3-4 minute video, each artist shares more about their chronic pain story and talks in depth about the piece(s) they’ve created for our exhibits.
This month we profile Meredith, whose chronic nerve pain impacted her professional path. Having to pivot from her original plan made her ask, “How do I continue to try to help my community when I’m dealing with such huge personal struggles?” Meredith found that making art, specifically collages (see below), helped channel her energy into something new and positive.
“Chronic pain is never just one thing. It’s an accumulation of so many different symptoms and experiences and feelings and everything. It’s a very layered experience to me.”
Click to watch the video on YouTube.
Did you know you can help artists with chronic pain? Your donation removes barriers like artwork shipping costs, provides art supplies to participants who face financial limitations, and allows artists to share their stories through sliding scale and free programming.
Buy Art, Support Creators
Looking to decorate your space or just support independent artists? You can find many of the pieces that were created for the Chronic Pain Project for sale in our digital gallery. These artworks aren’t just beautiful—they’re powerful expressions of what it’s like to live with chronic pain. Each piece tells a story that’s often invisible to the outside world.
Visit our digital gallery to find a one-of-a-kind piece AND show your support to the Chronic Pain Project and all of our amazing creators (75% of each sale goes directly to the artist!).
News & Resources
Chronic Disease Day: Did you know seven out of 10 deaths in the United States are caused by chronic diseases? July 10 (7/10) marked a national awareness and advocacy initiative dedicated to addressing the significant impact of chronic diseases. According to chronicdiseaseday.org, “Chronic Disease Day serves as a critical platform to elevate awareness, promote prevention and catalyze collective action to reduce the burden of chronic disease nationwide.” The website also offers free, downloadable guides that include self-care resources for chronic pain.
Show Love for the Chronic Pain Project: Show your support for our mission by wearing it on your sleeve (or head, or phone). Check out our store to see branded apparel, accessories, stationery and drinkware with the CPP logo. Purchases support our organization as we grow and find new ways to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by chronic pain. Visit the CPP store.
Like what you’re reading? Pass it on!
Want to find out about all of our upcoming exhibits, workshops and events? We’ve moved to a separate weekly(ish) newsletter format.
These articles are not meant to replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation.
That’s all for this month. Comment below with any ideas, questions or just to say “hi”!
Jennifer Roop, Board Secretary
We are a 501(c)(3) organization
