July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and diversity of people with disabilities. It’s a month to celebrate identity, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion and accessibility. It also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990—a landmark law that affirmed the civil rights of millions.
Ways to Celebrate
- Watch for disability-led stories in the news, such as Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and PBS NewsHour.
- Learn about key moments in the disability rights movement, such as UC Berkeley’s archive.
- Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion by emailing your elected officials and sharing your disability story.
CCSLS Is Here to Help—At No Cost
Disability can affect anyone, at any stage of life. In the United States, over 61 million adults—more than 1 in 4—live with a disability.1 The prevalence is even higher among older adults: approximately 2 in 5 individuals aged 65 and older report having a disability.
Recognizing how common and wide-reaching disability is, planning ahead becomes an essential step. At Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS), we believe that pride also means preparation—having the tools and support to live independently, making your own decisions, and plan for the future. That’s why CCSLS provides free legal help with Durable Powers of Attorney (DPOAs)2 to all Contra Costa County residents aged 60 and over.
Why Durable Powers of Attorney Matter
A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust (your “agent”) to act on your behalf. It ensures that your financial and legal matters can be handled according to your wishes—without needing to go through a lengthy court process. You can choose to have the power of attorney be effective immediately or only if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
For people with disabilities, having a DPOA in place can:
- Protect your independence
- Provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones
- Help avoid conservatorship or legal disputes
- Ensure your chosen representative—not the court—makes decisions for you
Navigating legal documents can be overwhelming, especially when you’re managing a disability or supporting a loved one who is. That’s where CCSLS comes in.
Our team can help:
- Explain your options clearly and compassionately
- Draft and complete a Durable Power of Attorney
- Guide you through naming an agent who will respect your wishes
Celebrating Pride with Action
Disability Pride Month is about visibility, self-advocacy, and community. One of the most empowering steps you can take is to protect your future with the right legal documents. If you or someone you care about could benefit from a Durable Power of Attorney, now is a great time to start.
Contact CCSLS at (925) 609-7900 or visit Get Help – Contra Costa Senior Legal Services to schedule a free consultation. Whether you’re preparing for the future or supporting a loved one, we’re here to help—proudly and at no cost.
Support Our Mission
Please consider donating to CCSLS during Disability Pride Month. Your gift helps us provide free legal assistance to those who need it most.