26/07/2026
Today, July 26, is Disability Independence Day—the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law in 1990. 💕♿
The ADA was a landmark civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and helps make sure equal access to things like public spaces, transportation, education, employment, and so much more happen. While there’s still work to do, the ADA opened countless doors and helped make opportunities more accessible for millions of people with disabilities.
To me, Camp Independence is one example of what that access can look like.
Camp Duncan is home to several different medical camps throughout the year, each serving people with different diagnoses. The camp I attend is Camp Independence, which takes place on the Camp Duncan campground and is specifically for people with Spina Bifida. It has been one of the most positive and meaningful experiences in my life.
For many people with disabilities, finding spaces where we can fully participate, feel understood, and truly belong can be challenging. That’s why disability-focused camps are so important. They create an environment where campers don’t have to explain their disability or feel like they’re the only one with a medical condition, they can completely be themselves.
What makes Camp Independence so accessible is that accessibility is built into the entire experience. It’s not just about accommodations—it’s about creating a space where campers can participate in traditional camp activities, learn independence skills, try new challenges, build lifelong friendships, and just be kids (or adults!) enjoying camp together!
Camp has also given me the opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much. I was a counselor for the little kids age group for two years, and I absolutely loved it. Watching the little kids gain confidence, try new things, and build friendships was incredibly rewarding, and I hope to have the opportunity to be a counselor again someday!
As someone with Spina Bifida, Camp Independence has helped me grow in confidence, independence, and connection with an amazing community. It reminds me that accessibility is about so much more than ramps and accommodations—it’s about creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive!
On this ADA anniversary, I’m grateful for the progress that’s been made and for places like Camp Independence that show what true accessibility and inclusion can look like. Here’s to continuing to build a world where everyone has the chance to experience opportunities like these. ❤️
