The Impact of Disability Is Not A Dirty Word — Easterseals Disability Services

This July marks more than one year since Easterseals Southern California launched the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ PSA campaign during Disability Pride Month 2024—and what a year it’s been.

The campaign, which has reached millions of people locally and nationally, sparked powerful conversations, challenged old ideas, and helped people see disability in a new light: not as something to hide, but something to celebrate. It’s been a rallying cry for pride, visibility, and inclusion—creating connections within the disability community and beyond.

“The ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ PSA campaign has had a profound impact, with millions of people embracing this powerful message of disability pride and leading many to consider their views on people with disabilities,” said Mark Whitley, CEO of Easterseals Southern California. “Numerous individuals within the disability community have expressed how deeply the message resonates with them, their family, and friends. We are so proud to continue this campaign throughout 2025, aiming to reach even more people and share additional stories that celebrate disability.”

As we celebrate the campaign’s first successful year and look ahead, one thing is clear: ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ is more than a message, it’s a movement!

The Campaign’s Reach and Impact

Between April and December 2024, the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ campaign was seen by millions of people throughout Southern California and beyond. It was featured on:

Outlets like Hulu, Amazon Video, YouTube TV, and local cable.

National coverage during the NBC Paralympics and ESPN Monday Night football.

More than 200 billboards, bus shelters and in airports throughout Southern California.

Digital displays during Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Ducks, Los Aneles Lakers, and Los Angeles Chargers games.

Because the campaign did so well at the start, Easterseals is keeping the momentum going to share the message with even more people.

Teaming up with Social Media Influencers

During the 2024 campaign launch, we proudly partnered with 11 disability and lifestyle influencers on Instagram and TikTok. Each influencer shared their own personal journey, not only accepting their disability, but being proud of it.

You can view all our 2024 influencer videos at DisabilityPride.com. And stay tuned--this July we’re teaming up with more creators who are breaking stigmas and spreading the “Disability is Not a Dirty Word” message.

Molly Burke: Speaker, Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer, Blind Disability Advocate  

Connor Tomlinson: Love on the Spectrum 

Shane Burcaw: Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur, Disability Advocate  

What the Disability Community is Saying

Emily Ladau, Disability Rights Activist, Communications Strategist, and Author: “The power behind the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ campaign comes from the people who are a part of it. By showing up authentically and unapologetically, the disabled people who shaped this campaign both in front of and behind the camera are shifting the narrative and changing the conversation about disability."

Nik Sanchez, Actor, Student, Autism Advocate, & PSA Cast Member: "I really LOVE the Disability Pride Campaign. I think hearing that 'disability' is not a bad word, FROM the disabled community is very powerful and it gives US the power. We do have disabilities, but we are not our disabilities. It's just another part of what makes us uniquely awesome.” "I really LOVE the Disability Pride Campaign. I think hearing that 'disability' is not a bad word, FROM the disabled community is very powerful and it gives US the power. We do have disabilities, but we are not our disabilities. It's just another part of what makes us uniquely awesome.”

Kasey Galik, Adapted Physical Education Teacher & PSA Cast Member: “As a teacher, mother, advocate, and a person with a disability, the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ campaign has been deeply personal and profoundly impactful. It has given individuals with disabilities like my students a sense of pride, purpose, and visibility. I’ve witnessed powerful moments where peers show genuine respect, and students who once felt overlooked now feel valued and capable of making a difference. This campaign has shifted perceptions and proven that disability is not a limitation it’s a source of strength, identity, and community.”

Otto Lana, Advocate, Scholar, Entrepreneur, & PSA Cast Member: "’I celebrate myself. I am large. I contain multitudes.’ While I must give Walt Whitman credit for these powerful words, I am using them to encourage society to embrace and normalize disability. We all have multiple identities and if you are lucky enough to live long enough, you too will have disability as one of your identities. Embrace the future, normalize disability in the present.”

What’s Next for ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’?

As we kick off July with our Disability Pride Month celebrations, we’re excited to continue promoting and expanding the ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ campaign. We are featuring new and engaging footage from our PSA cast members on social media, collaborations with influencers, updated television spots on Hulu/Disney+, a partnership with PBS, and new digital signage in high traffic areas like LAX and freeways in and around Greater Los Angeles.

To get an inside look at some of the content we’ll be sharing, watch the videos below for more in-depth perspectives from our PSA cast members as they share their authentic experiences of being disabled.

Visit the New Merch Store

The redesigned online store featuring ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ merch has expanded into hats, backpacks, polo shirts and more. Plus, you or your organization can do a bulk order of 50 items or more to get great pricing.  Check out the new store here!  

Share Your Story

Our website, DisabilityPride.com, features a dedicated page for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by our PSA, numerous people have shared their personal experiences with disability, and we invite you to do the same. Visit DisabilityPride.com to share your story and contribute to challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with the term "disability."

Follow Along on Social Media

Stay up to date on the latest ‘Disability is Not a Dirty Word’ content on our social channels. When you wear your Disability Pride merch or come across a billboard or commercial, let us know! Tag Easterseals Southern California on social media and we will feature your post on our pages:  