Using the Disability Pride Flag as a Tool to Reach Everyone
Originally designed in 2019 by writer Ann Magill, the Disability Pride flag stands as a symbol of visibility, unity, pride, and acceptance for the disability community. In 2021, in a collaborative effort, Ann refined the flag to accommodate those with visually triggered disabilities, and entered the design into the public domain.
About the Flag
Each stripe represents a part of the disability community
- Red: mobility & physical disabilities
- Gold: cognitive, intellectual & neurodivergent disabilities
- White: chronic conditions, non-apparent & undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue: emotional & psychiatric disabilities
- Green: sensory disabilities, including blindness, deafness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and other sensory disabilities
The gray background represents mourning and rage for those affected by ableist violence and abuse.
The diagonal band symbolizes cutting across the walls and barriers that separate people with disabilities from the rest of society.
Disability Is Diverse, Dynamic, and Deeply Interconnected
The Why
Here’s Why This Matters in Tourism & Community Spaces
People with disabilities are not only visitors. They are also residents, workers, business owners, students, neighbors, friends, and community members.
In destination communities, accessibility shapes everyday experiences for both locals and visitors. It affects whether people can participate in recreation, attend events, navigate downtown areas, access businesses, find information, and feel welcomed in shared spaces.
Disability exists across all ages, cultures, languages, and identities. Some disabilities are visible, while many are non-apparent. Needs may also change from day to day.
The benefits
Creating Accessible Spaces and Experiences Benefits…
- Visitors and tourists
- Local residents and workers
- Families, caregivers, and multi-generational groups
- Older adults
- People recovering from injury or illness
- Anyone who benefits from clearer information and more flexible environments
Accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about creating communities where more people can fully participate, connect, and belong.
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Understanding the Five Disability Categories
RED
Mobility & Physical Disabilities
Conditions that affect movement, strength, coordination, endurance, or physical function.
This may include:
- Wheelchair users
- People using walkers, canes, crutches, braces, or prosthetics
- Limb differences or paralysis
- Chronic pain, fatigue, or limited stamina
What this can impact:
- Walking distances, tolerance for long periods, or navigating uneven terrain
- Accessing seating, restrooms, transportation, work, educational, recreational and indoor/outdoor spaces
Accessibility considerations:
- Step-free entry and wide, clear pathways
- Multiple seating options and space at any table
- Rest areas and places to pause
- Accessible trails, beach mats, adaptive equipment and transportation options
Gold
Cognitive, Intellectual & Neurodivergent Disabilities
Differences in learning, processing information, communication, focus, or interaction.
This may include:
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences
- Brain injuries or memory-related conditions
What this can impact:
- Understanding complex information
- Navigating unfamiliar environments
- Managing overwhelming or unpredictable settings
Accessibility considerations:
- Plain language and clear communication
- Simple, intuitive layouts
- Visual supports and step-by-step guidance
- Predictable environments and quiet spaces
White
Non-Apparent & Chronic Conditions
Disabilities that may not be visible but still affect daily life, energy, and participation.
This may include:
- Chronic illness or autoimmune conditions
- Migraines, chronic pain, or fatigue
- Undiagnosed or fluctuating conditions
What this can impact:
- Energy levels and stamina
- Need for flexibility, rest, or pacing
- Ability to participate consistently
Accessibility considerations:
- Flexible options (seating, timing, cancellations)
- Clear information ahead of time to plan effectively
- Places to rest and move at one’s own pace
- Recognition that not all disabilities are visible
Blue
Psychiatric & Emotional Disabilities
Mental health conditions that affect thoughts, feelings, emotions, perception, stress response, or daily functioning.
This may include:
- Anxiety and depression
- PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, or phobias
- Eating disorders, dissociative disorders, or schizophrenia
What this can impact:
- Comfort in crowded or high-pressure environments
- Communication, focus, or emotional regulation
- Ability to engage in unfamiliar or overstimulating settings
Accessibility considerations:
- Calm, welcoming, and low-pressure environments
- Clear expectations and supportive communication
- Quiet spaces and sensory breaks
- Kind, patient, and non-judgmental interactions
Green
Sensory Disabilities
Differences in how people see, hear, or process sensory input.
This may include:
- Blindness or low vision
- Deafness or hard of hearing
- Audio processing differences
- Sensitivities related to light, sound, smell, taste, or touch
What this can impact:
- Accessing visual or auditory information
- Comfort in certain environments
- Communication and navigation
Accessibility considerations:
- Captions, transcripts, and audio/visual alternatives
- High-contrast, readable text and clear signage
- Adjustable lighting, reduced noise, and sensory-friendly spaces
- Avoiding reliance on a single sense for communication (visual or auditory only)
What’s Next
Moving Beyond Minimum Access
Accessibility is about more than meeting minimum standards. It is about creating destinations where people can:
Find information easily
Navigate spaces confidently
Participate comfortably
Feel welcomed and included
When destinations prioritize accessibility, they create better experiences for everyone who visits.