# Accessibility & Assistive Tech at the Library
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every year in July, in part, to celebrate the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990. It's a time to embrace and honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
Last year, Jacksonville Public Library launched a new Books-by-Mail Service for Duval County residents who are unable to visit the Library due to a temporary or permanent disability or illness. We also offer a Talking Books service, Braille books and magazines, Sensory Friendly Storytime, and other accessibility services and assistive technologies.
Disability and Adaptive Recreation Expo
Jacksonville commemorates the day with an annual Disability and Adaptive Recreation Expo at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center. Whether you're looking for new activities, support networks, or just a fun and informative day out, this expo is for you.
Hosted by the Disabled Services Division, the event includes:
- A variety of exhibitors sharing valuable community resources*
- Engaging presentations from experts and local organizations
- Opportunities to connect with adaptive recreation programs and services
*Find the Library's booth at the Expo on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. You can also reach out over the phone at (904) 255-BOOK to learn more about our services or how you can sign up.
# Book Recommendations
The Library has an AMAZING collection of books featuring stories and information written by and about people from varied backgrounds, races, ethnicities, life experiences, and viewpoints. We love to share selections that demonstrate the range of our collection all year. This month, we are highlighting books about people embracing their disabilities and reclaiming visibility in public.
What Do the Colors of the Disability Pride Flag Symbolize?
The Disability Pride Flag was originally designed by Ann Magill in 2019 (and updated to a more accessible version in 2021). The diagonal stripes, in the six standard international flag colors, signify the barriers people face (and cut across) to access resources and be seen. They also symbolize various types of disabilities:
- Green is for sensory disabilities
- Blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities
- White stands for non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Gold is for neurodiversity
- Red represents physical disabilities
Even the black background is symbolic; it commemorates and mourns those who've died.
