Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Resources

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PFLAG

The Trevor Project

Safe Zone Project

Human Rights Campaign

Out Alliance

The Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Native American Tribes of New York

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Indigenous Arts of North America | Denver Art Museum

The Northeast ADA Center

Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act

ADA Anniversary

Job Accommodation Network

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework

Inclusive Language Guide

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 

National Alliance on Mental Illness- Rochester

National Alliance on Mental Illness- Buffalo & Erie County

Mental Health Association-  Rochester

Mental Health Advocates of WNY

BIPOC PEEEEEK

Ageism.org – What is Ageism?

Leading Age – Ageism Resources

World Health Organization – Global Report on Ageism

Join the movement to stop Ageism

New Year’s Day: This day marks the first day of the year on the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on January 1. It is a federal holiday and a time for new beginnings, resolutions, and reflection on the past year.

Poverty Awareness Month: Poverty Awareness Month is celebrated in January each year. The month’s goal is to raise awareness and highlight the growing levels of poverty in the United States.

Eastern Orthodox Christmas: This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Unlike the Western Church, which celebrates Christmas on December 25, the Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar and celebrates Christmas on January 7.

Martin Luther King Day: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday and is observed on the third Monday of January. The significance of this day is to honor the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and an activist for nonviolent social change until his assassination in 1968.

National Day for Racial Healing: This day, observed on the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is an initiative by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to address and heal the wounds caused by racial, ethnic, and religious bias and discrimination. It is a day to acknowledge the need for healing and to work towards a more equitable and just society.

• • More information on National Day for Racial Healing (W.K. Kellogg Foundation)
  • National Day of Racial Healing Conversation Guide

Lunar New Year: This is an important festival celebrated by many East Asian communities around the world. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar, usually falling in late January or early February. It is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and celebrate with traditional foods and decorations.

Black History Month: This is an annual observance throughout February that celebrates and recognizes the contributions of African Americans to history, culture, and society. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history, and to reflect on the ongoing work needed to achieve racial equity and social justice.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: This is an annual observance in March to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and to push for greater equity. This time is an opportunity for people to educate themselves and others on the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities, and to support their access to equal opportunities.

• More information on National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (National Association of Councils of Developmental Disabilities)

Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day: “Spread the Word to End the Word” is a campaign that takes place on the first Wednesday of every March to raise awareness of the harmful effects of the word “retarded”. The campaign’s goal is to encourage people to stop using the word.

Ash Wednesday: This is the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days before Easter. It is marked by the placing of ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross to symbolize repentance and mortality. On Ash Wednesday, Christians reflect on their own mortality by participating in prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

International Women’s Day: This is a global observance on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need to address issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Arab American Heritage Month: This is an annual observance in April in the United States to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Arab Americans throughout history. By recognizing Arab American Heritage Month, people can learn more about the rich and diverse experiences of Arab Americans and promote greater understanding and appreciation of their contributions to the country.

Deaf History Month: Deaf History Month is an annual observance during the month of April to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHoH) individuals. Through education and celebration, Deaf History Month helps to foster greater inclusion and accessibility for the DHoH community.

• Free online ASL courses
• ASL resources

Ramadan: This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, spending their time praying and reflecting on one’s spiritual health. By observing Ramadan, Muslims seek to refine their spirituality, and practice self-discipline and self-restraint.

Good Friday/Easter Sunday: These days are Christian observances that mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus, while Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection. These observances are central to the Christian faith and are marked by church services, prayer, and reflection.

Passover: This is a Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. During Passover, Jews may not own or consume any food containing grain that has risen. By observing Passover, Jews remember their history and heritage, and celebrate their freedom and independence.

Eid-al-Fitr: Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims at the end of the month of Ramadan. It marks the end of the period of fasting and spiritual reflection and is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and acts of charity. During Eid-al-Fitr, Muslims focus on strengthening their faith, fostering community bonds, and promoting kindness towards others.

Mental Health Awareness Month: This is an annual observance in May in the United States to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health and mental illness. During this time, people can educate themselves and others on the importance of mental health and work towards reducing stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

• More information on Mental Health Awareness Month (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Mental Health America

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: This is an annual observance in May in the United States to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to society, culture, and history. During this time, people can learn more about the rich and diverse experiences of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and celebrate their contributions to the country.

• More information on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (Library of Congress)

National Nurse’s Day: National Nurse’s Day is an annual observance held on May 6 to recognize and honor the crucial role that nurses play in healthcare. This day also marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Memorial Day: This is a federal holiday on the last Monday in May to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military. It is also a day to recognize the sacrifices made by military families and to promote greater appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans and active-duty service members.

Pride Month: This is an annual observance in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ+ community, and promote acceptance and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals. By recognizing Pride Month, people can show support for the LGBTQ+ community, advocate for their rights and well-being, and promote a more inclusive and accepting society.

• More information on Pride Month (Human Rights Campaign)

American Indian Citizenship Day: American Indian Citizenship Day is observed on June 2 and commemorates the enactment of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. Although Native people had lived in the United States for generations, it was not until this act was passed that Native people were promised the full rights of citizenship.

• Online “Americans” exhibition by National Museum of the American Indian

Juneteenth: Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Texas of their emancipation, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrating Juneteenth acknowledges the struggles and contributions of Black Americans while recognizing the need for continued progress towards equality.

Eid-al-Adha: Eid al-Adha is a significant Islamic festival celebrated worldwide to commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Celebrating Eid al-Adha reinforces the values of faith, unity, and compassion within the Islamic community. Muslims attend special prayers, give to charity, and share meat with family and friends.

Independence Day: This is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on July 4 to commemorate the country’s independence from Great Britain. It is a day to celebrate American history, reflect on the principles of freedom and democracy, and honor the sacrifices of those who fought to defend American values and ideals.

National Disability Independence Day: National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26 to honor the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees their equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life. It is a day to recognize the achievements of people with disabilities and advocate for greater equity.

• More information on National Disability Independence Day (Inclusion Hub)

Labor Day: This is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the first Monday in September to honor the contributions of the American labor movement and workers. It is a day to recognize the social and economic achievements of the working class, and the role that labor unions have played in promoting workers’ rights.

Direct Support Recognition Week: This is an annual observance typically held during the second full week of September to recognize and honor the work of direct support professionals who provide support and care for people with disabilities. Direct support professionals play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live independently, participate fully in their communities and achieve their goals.

Hispanic Heritage Month: This is an annual observance in the United States from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. The observance begins on September 15 to coincide with the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

• More information on Hispanic Heritage Month (Library of Congress)

Rosh Hashanah: This is the Jewish New Year, and one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. It is a time of reflection and spiritual introspection, and marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, which culminate with Yom Kippur.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: This is an annual observance in October that aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It highlights the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and promoting equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

• More information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month (U.S. Department of Labor)

Yom Kippur: This is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which falls on the tenth day of the month of Tishrei. It is a day of fasting, repentance, and atonement, during which Jews seek forgiveness for their sins and commit to making positive changes in their lives.

Sukkot: This is a Jewish holiday that follows Yom Kippur and lasts for seven days. It commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt and celebrates the fall harvest. During Sukkot, Jews build temporary shelters called sukkahs and eat meals inside them.

Indigenous Peoples Day: This is a holiday that honors and celebrates the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples in North America. It is observed on the second Monday in October, and it is intended to provide an alternative to Columbus Day, which has been criticized for casting the colonization of the Americas in a positive light.

International Pronouns Day: This is an annual event held on the third Wednesday of October that aims to raise awareness about the importance of using people’s correct pronouns. It promotes respect for individuals’ gender identities and seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive society for transgender and non-binary people.

Diwali: This is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali’s date is determined by India’s lunar calendar and is observed in October or November. It involves lighting candles, setting off fireworks, exchanging gifts, and sharing festive meals with family and friends.

Native American History Month: This is an annual observance in November that celebrates and honors the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. It aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked history of Indigenous Americans and to promote a better understanding of their heritage and experiences.

Veterans Day: This is a federal holiday observed on November 11 that honors the service and sacrifice of military veterans in the United States. It commemorates the end of World War I and is a time to thank and recognize those who have served in the armed forces and defended the country.

Transgender Day of Remembrance: This is an annual observance held on November 20 to honor the memory of transgender individuals who suffered or lost their lives because of transphobia and hate crimes. It is a day to raise awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community and to promote greater acceptance and support.

Thanksgiving: This is a federal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday in November that originated as a harvest festival in colonial America. It is a time for families and friends to gather and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD): Since 1992, the United Nations’ IDPD has been celebrated globally each year on December 3 to advocate for disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a powerful reminder that every individual has the right to live a full and meaningful life.

• More information on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations)

International Human Rights Day: This is an annual observance held on December 10 that commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. It is a day to promote human rights and dignity for all people and to raise awareness about ongoing human rights abuses around the world.

Hanukkah: This is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days and nights, usually falling in December. It celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. During Hanukkah, Jews light candles on a menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.

Blue Christmas: Blue Christmas is a day in the Advent calendar marking the longest night of the year. It honors people who are experiencing grief during the holy season. Hospice providers often hold Blue Christmas services on or near this date to acknowledge the pain and grief that can be present at this time of year.

Christmas: Christmas is a federal holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrated on December 25, Christmas is a time of joy, love, and generosity, and is observed globally. Traditionally, families gather together to exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in festive activities. Christmas is associated with decorating Christmas trees, sending greeting cards and singing carols.

Kwanzaa: This is a week-long celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1 and is observed primarily by African Americans. It celebrates African heritage and culture and promotes principles such as unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility. During Kwanzaa, families gather to light candles on a kinara and exchange gifts and meals.