Disability Pride Month: FASEB Celebrates Groundbreaking Innovators

By: Debra L. Bouyer
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990, so “… every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom.” In 2015, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July as Disability Pride Month to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ADA’s passage. Since then, July has been used as a platform to celebrate and highlight the many accomplishments made by the disability community and remove the stigma that is often associated with disabilities. 

Throughout our nation’s history, there are many examples of individuals in the disability community who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. The following individuals are a mere sample of those who have secured their place in U.S. history:

• George Washington Carver (1864-1943), an agricultural scientist and inventor, developed hundreds of products using peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans that helped revitalize the agricultural economy in the South
• Edwin Krebs, MD (1918-2009), a biochemist and President of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1985, was awarded the 1992 Nobel Prize for his joint research with Edmond Fischer, PhD, on reversible protein phosphorylation
• Temple Grandin, PhD, a scientist and animal behaviorist, is an advocate for the humane treatment of livestock handling and author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior

FASEB recognizes there are countless additional examples to share of the contributions made by scientists from historically excluded communities beyond Disability Pride Month. In our continued effort to drive diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the biomedical research community, FASEB is highlighting our society members from historically excluded communities throughout the year.  If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Debbie Bouyer.