Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the lives, achievements and experiences of disabled people, while also shining a light on the barriers many still face in everyday life
WHEN AND WHY?
Disability Pride Month is held in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law on 26 July, 1990. The legislation made discrimination against disabled people illegal in areas such as work, education, transport and public services. In the UK, similar legal protections were later established through the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010. But Disability Pride Month is about more than legislation. At its heart, it encourages people to see disability as a natural part of human diversity – rather than something to be hidden, ‘fixed’, or defined by limitations.
A CELEBRATION
According to disability equality charity Scope, Disability Pride Month is “about challenging the idea that disabled people should feel ashamed of their disabilities.” The organisation says the month is also a chance to celebrate disabled identities and challenge the ableism, discrimination and prejudice disabled people face. With three quarters of disabled people saying they experience negative attitudes, it’s clear we need a chance to have our voices heard, while at the same time pushing for change and celebrating how far we’ve come.
The UK’s first Disability Pride parade took place in Belfast in 2014, with Brighton hosting England’s first event three years later. Since then, Disability Pride celebrations have continued to grow, with social media campaigns raising awareness, and disabled creators sharing their experiences online.
GET INVOLVED
There are lots of ways to get involved in Disability Pride Month, whether you’re disabled or not. One of the simplest ways is to learn more about disability rights and the barriers disabled people face. You can also support events in your local area, such as marches, talks or community gatherings.
This year there are events taking place across the country for Disability Pride Month. Chester’s Disability Pride Parade takes place on 6 July, promising an empowering and joyous march through the city centre. In London, North Kensington Library Club is screening a moving film about the writer and painter Christy Brown.
You can also take part by thinking about accessibility in your own spaces. This could mean sharing content online in accessible formats, challenging ableist language when you hear it, or supporting organisations and campaigns that promote equality.
WHY SHOULD YOU CELEBRATE?
To this day, one of the most influential figures in the disability rights movement is the late activist Judy Heumann. She’s often called the ‘mother of the disability rights movement’, and said: “Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives.”
That’s why every July we should not only celebrate the progress made, but also recognise that there’s still important work to do to make the UK fully accessible and inclusive for everyone.