We are part way through Disability Pride Month, an international event with its own flag ( pictured), that seems to have escaped many people in Britain’s attention.
An article in Enable magazine describes the month as an annual, global event working to shine a light on physical, learning, hidden disabilities and mental health conditions.’
Activist and actor Samantha Renke has written an article for the Metro newspaper about why most of the public – even the disabled public – are unaware of the month and how her own impairment has affected her life so far.
She says: “Possibly one reason it is not commonly known, particularly in the UK, is that it coincided with the Americans Disability Act (the ADA) – the civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against disabled people, which was signed in July 1990.
“It started as one day but since 2015, marking the ADA’s 25th anniversary, the entire month has become an annual event worldwide – encouraging space to end stigmas and promote disability as an identity, culture and to share the positive pride many of us feel.
“It also creates awareness of and challenges the systemic ableism and discrimination disabled and deaf people face.”
Disability Pride has gained momentum on social media and we’ve joined in with regular #DisabilityPride messages on Twitter . So happy Disability Pride Month everybody.
