Disability pride explored in colour

The disability pride flag is flyin’ high through the month of July! Here’s the meaning behind what you’re seeing:

• All six flag colors: Disability spans borders between nations
• Black background: Mourning for victims of ableist violence and abuse
• Diagonal Band: Cutting across the walls and barriers that separate disabled people from society
• Red Stripe: Physical disabilities
• Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence
• White Stripe: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Blue Stripe: Psychiatric disabilities
• Green Stripe: Sensory disabilities

How can we honour disability pride? What our charities have to say

The BC Epilepsy Society (one of our receiving charities) noted this on one of their social media posts this week,

“This month, we celebrate the diversity, experiences, and contributions of everyone in the disability community while recognizing the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. For many of us living with epilepsy, disability can be visible, invisible, or experienced differently from one person to the next. Every experience is valid, and every voice matters. Together, we can help build communities where everyone is respected, included, and supported.”

The Cochrane Public Library offers a challenge. “Disability Pride Month aims to change the way the world views disability—promoting it not as something to be fixed, but as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. 22 percent of Canadians—about 6.2 million people—live with a disability.“

A better place when all are included

Big Brothers Big Sisters posts, “Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize and honour the diversity, achievements, and lived experiences of people with disabilities. This year’s theme, The World Works Better With Us, highlights the importance of meaningful inclusion, accessibility, and respect in our workplaces, communities, and everyday lives.”

And the Centre for Autism Services chimes, “Every year in July, Disability Pride Month celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. It aims to change the way people think about disability and promotes all types of disability as a natural part of human diversity. Disability Pride Month has been celebrated in the United States since July 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act came into law. Today, it is celebrated around the world, including in Canada, where 22 per cent or 6.2 million Canadians live with a disability. Did you know the gold stripe in the Disability Pride Flag represents Neurodivergence? Let’s use this month to learn about, understand, and celebrate persons with disabilities, and work together to create more respectful and inclusive communities all year long!”

You can make it happen!

You can play a part in creating an inclusive and always-dignifying Canada! Start close to home! Then, learn about and build relationship with the people right around you that live with disabilities. It can be helpful to remember that many (many!) disabilities are invisible. Do your part to be the diagonal band on that flag! Let’s remove barriers; let’s leave behind ableist and exclusionary beliefs and practices!

One hands-on way to make a difference today? Explore the charities in your community that are championing folx with diverse abilities. These charities have been tending this work for decades. You can help them continue their Good Work! Where do we start? We can begin by getting involved, volunteering, and giving!

Your two and four wheel scrappers can be part of community building!

Those charities that you discover in your neighbourhood? They are receiving vehicle donations. Re-sold or recycled, each donated vehicle results in a monetary gift for your charity of choice! It’s simple, quick, and free — for you and for your charity of choice!

First, fill in an online donation form. This will take just a few minutes. Then, sit back and wait for your tow crew to give you a call and arrange your free tow. Finally, watch your inbox. Your tax receipt is on its way!

Most importantly, let’s expand our understanding of our fellow Canadians this Disability Pride month! Spending a couple of minutes acknowledging their flag and all that it represents is a good place to start. From there, the opportunities are as limitless as your imagination!

We are excited to work together with you on this!

The post Donate for Disability Pride appeared first on Donate A Car.

The owners of a recycle-ready 2007 Dodge Caravan chose Autism Calgary Association for heartfelt reasons.

Donating Zoomy is all about Autism awareness

Our minivan donors noted,

“This vehicle has enormous sentimental value to our son, who has autism. He has named the van Zoomy. Zoomy was last driven 6 years ago and needed major work at that time. We have held onto Zoomy until our son was ready to let go. He’s ready and has chosen to donate Zoomy to Autism Calgary.”

These kinds of stories are exactly why Donate a Car Canada does what we do! Not only do our donors matter, their vehicle matters. And the charity of choice is vital to the giver.

Zoomy makes a difference

For charities like Autism Calgary Association, a donation like this is critical to their ongoing work. Furthermore, the beauty of a gift like this is that it allows the giver to feel sure their beloved vehicle is more than just scrap metal. “Zoomys,” all across Canada, continue to serve by turning wheels and metal into much-needed dollars.

Consider the causes that are meaningful to you. You’ve likely experienced, for yourself, the value of every donation dollar. Hearts and minds are impacted in very real ways!

ACA Star Stories | YouTube

Visit the Autism Calgary Association YouTube channel for challenge and inspiration.

‘Have a Zoomy of your own to share?

If neurodiversity is at the top of your Give-To list, we can help!

Not all cars and trucks have sentimental value to their owners. Frankly, sometimes we just want the ol’ scrap metal hauled out of the back yard! In extreme cases, we don’t even care what happens to what feels like a heap of junk.

On the other hand, sometimes we do care. A lot. We care because the car was the last vehicle that our aging loved one used before they gave up driving. Or, it may be the last car we’re going to use before we surrender that freedom for ourselves. Equally common, the car or truck may be our learner vehicle — or the one we used to teach our kids to drive. Whatever your story (or lack of story!), we’re here to help you turn your donation ready unit into monies for the cause you love.

The process is so easy! Click (or call), receive your free tow, and wait for your tax receipt. It really is that simple, and that quick.

You are also invited to contact and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! There you’ll be able to keep up to date on our program. You can also see posts that showcase our amazing donors and charities in every province in Canada!

The post Autism Awareness appeared first on Donate A Car.