What is Disability Pride Month and Why Does it Matter?

As we come to the end of July, let’s take a look at what Disability Pride Month is, what it means and why it matters.

❓ What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is during July every year – celebrating the creativity, resilience and achievements of disabled people. It’s a time where disabled people can really come together as a community, an opportunity to share experiences and an important chance to start conversations both inside and outside of the disabled community.

Disability Pride Month is not only for anyone who is disabled, but also anyone who wants to show their allyship by celebrating their disabled communities – like businesses and other community groups.

Scope, a disability charity campaigning for equality by tackling injustice and inspiring action, describe Disability Pride perfectly: “It’s a time for embracing disability identity positively. And challenging the negative attitudes that hold disabled people back.”

❓ When Did Disability Pride Month Start?

The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston, USA, on 22^nd July 1990 – just days before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, was a landmark event that spurred the disability rights movement and the celebration of Disability Pride.

What began as a single day of celebration has evolved into a month-long event, with many countries and cities hosting their own Disability Pride events in July. In the UK, Disability Pride Month has been widely celebrated since 2015.

❓ Why Does Disability Pride Matter?

Disability Pride matters because disabled people still face prejudice, unfair treatment and harmful stereotypes. The disability charity Scope reports that:

1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled, including 11% of children.
3 in 4 disabled people have experienced negative attitudes from others.
Life costs an extra £1,095 a month on average for disabled people.
Disabled people are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed.

Awareness and support from people outside of the disabled community is crucial for the continued movement towards equality in all areas of life.

❓ How Does Disability Pride Help?

Disability Pride helps change the conversation. It’s a chance to speak up, be proud and create change by:

Highlighting experiences: Sharing these stories, both positive and challenging, helps to foster a sense of community and belonging among disabled individuals.
Raising awareness: Educating others about disabilities, including both visible and invisible conditions, with an aim to reduce misconceptions.
Promoting inclusion: Starting conversations about accessibility and inclusion, and encouraging society to create spaces and opportunities that are welcoming and accommodating for everyone.
Celebrating achievements: Acknowledging the diverse talents and contributions of disabled people in all areas of life.

At Kudos Stairlifts, we’re breaking stereotypes and ensuring that every individual, regardless of age, finds a solution that fits their needs with dignity and style.

❓ What Does the Disability Pride Flag Represent?

The Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill in 2019, represents the various experiences and needs within the disabled community – while the banded layout of the colours represents the barriers faced:

RED: Physical impairments and conditions
GOLD: Neurodiversity
WHITE: Non-visible and undiagnosed impairments and conditions
BLUE: Emotional and psychiatric conditions, including mental health, anxiety and depression
GREEN: Hearing impaired, vision impaired, audio processing and all other sensory impairments and conditions
CHARCOAL: The charcoal background is to represent people in the community who have experienced ableism, and to protest against this

Disability Pride Month is an opportunity for disabled people to embrace their identities, celebrate their achievements, and challenge negative perceptions and stereotypes about disability. It also aims to educate others about the realities of living with disabilities and the importance of inclusion.

Freedom & Independence for All with Kudos Stairlifts

At Kudos Stairlifts, we are committed to changing how stairlifts are perceived – let’s break the stigma together and celebrate the independence a stairlift can provide.

Whether you’re looking for modern stairlift designs, refurbished stairlifts, or solutions for long-term use, we supply & install high-quality stairlifts tailored to your needs. Contact us today to explore your options and take the first step toward greater independence.