Disability Pride Month is a special time to promote education, inclusivity, and awareness for people with disabilities. It gives individuals a chance to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and discuss the challenges they face. This month encourages everyone in the disability community to be proud of who they are.
The Flag features 5 stripes, each with a different meaning:
- Red - Physical Disabilities
- Gold - Neurodivergence
- White - Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue - mental illnesses
- Green - Sensory disabilities
The coloured stripes are placed diagonally across the flag to show how disabled people have to cut across barriers in society.
Ableism, or discrimination against disabled people, is still a big problem worldwide. Disability Pride Month helps start important conversations to raise awareness and teach non-disabled people how to be better allies.
How and When Did Disability Pride Month Begin?
Disability Pride started as a day of celebration in Boston, USA, in 1990. It began on the same day the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed. Over the years, it spread to the UK and other parts of the world. In 2015, to mark the 25th anniversary of the ADA, the celebration was extended to the whole month of July. In 2019, Ann Magill created a Disability Pride Month flag. The flag's design was updated in 2021 to make it easier for everyone to see.
Advocacy and Rights
Disability Pride Month is also a time to advocate for the rights of disabled people. You can join disability rights groups, volunteer, or fundraise for organisations like Disability Rights UK. Promoting policies for better accessibility and equality is crucial.
Is Disability Pride Month Related to LGBTQIA+ Pride?
While Disability Pride and LGBTQIA+ Pride are separate events, they share common goals of visibility and celebration. Individuals who belong to both communities can choose how they want to celebrate each.
At McElmeel Mobility Services, we celebrate and support the disability community year-round through our commitment to making car travel accessible for all. Discover how we can help you with vehicle adaptations and enjoy the transformative power of mobility.
For more information or to arrange a free home demonstration, call McElmeel Mobility Services at 028 3752 5333.