Disability Pride is in the Action at HMS
Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, disability pride at HMS School shines as brightly as the smiling faces that come through our doors each day.
At HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, disability pride is not just a concept. It is part of the daily experience. As a school serving children and young adults with complex disabilities, we see that pride reflected in every classroom and hallway. It comes to life through student-centered activities that celebrate creativity, advocacy, community inclusion, and the meaningful connection that comes from learning and growing alongside peers.
Disability pride at HMS isn’t about “overcoming” anything. Instead, it’s about honoring individuality, celebrating differences, and recognizing that every student deserves to be seen and supported exactly as they are.
Celebrating Creativity and Individual Talents
One of the most visible ways our students express themselves is through creative arts. From visual artwork to music, writing, and performances, students at HMS showcase their personalities and perspectives through mediums that go beyond words. If that means adding more art, music or dance into their schedule, we are focused on their abilities and opportunities to have their creativity shine!
By displaying student artwork around the building, such as our recent wall mural in the dining area created in collaboration with Walls for Justice, and by sharing their stories through our social media and community platforms, we uplift their voices and create opportunities for the broader public to witness the brilliance that exists here. Each project is a reflection of identity, and each one contributes to the vibrant culture of our school.
Building a Community That Includes Everyone
Progress looks different for every student at HMS, and we celebrate it all. Whether a student is achieving a therapeutic goal, trying something new, or participating in a group activity for the first time, we pause to recognize those moments.
By acknowledging growth, large and small, we continue to affirm each student’s journey and make space for disability pride to flourish naturally. Our staff, families, and community celebrate right alongside them.
Our school events are intentional experiences that welcome families, alumni, community members, and supporters from across Philadelphia and the tri-state area.
From Community Day and prom to the spring carnival, family picnics, and spirit weeks, some events are just for our students, while others offer a chance for the broader community to engage with our mission. Whether through partnership, volunteerism, or donations that directly support our programs, there are many ways to get involved.
Creating a culture of disability pride means opening our doors. Not just for people to observe, participate, and grow with us.
Supporting Student Voice and Advocacy
At HMS, we believe that advocacy can take many forms. For some students, it’s using their communication devices to express choices and opinions. For one of our students, Kristin, it was a two-year journey of advocacy from her family, legal team, and occupational therapist Sophie Grossman to secure adaptive tools like the JACO robotic arm, which helps support her daily living. It reinforced that her voice matters and that it is okay to take up space when advocating for what she needs.
Every opportunity to advocate, we not only encourage it, but we also support our students to help build those skills that lead to more confidence and independence. We ensure that students not only have the tools to communicate but are surrounded by people who take the time to listen and respond with respect.
This kind of pride is powerful as it amplifies the trust within our students and deepens the belief that their voice, presence, and contributions matter.
How You Can “Take Action” and Support Disability Pride at HMS
The work we do at HMS School is made possible by a community that believes in what we stand for. If you’re inspired by our students, we welcome your support in the following ways:
Make a donation to help us continue offering personalized, high-quality care and educational programming.
Sponsor or attend an event to directly connect with the work we do and the families we serve.
Share our story! The more people know about HMS, the stronger our network of support becomes. You can find impact stories by joining our email list to receive updates, and opportunities to get involved. You can find us on all social media platforms @HMSSchoolCP.
Disability Pride, Lives Here Every Day
At HMS, disability pride doesn’t live in a slogan; it lives in relationships, routines, and moments that matter. It lives in how we empower our students to be exactly who they are. And it lives in how we build a community that sees differences in our students not as something to fix, but something to celebrate.
To learn more about the why behind our celebration of disability pride this year please explore the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990.
