Back in July, we celebrated Disability Pride month. Here I share some thoughts on what this month means to me, and how others can get involved, not just in July, but throughout the year, to support the disabled community.

What disability pride means to me

I think Disability Pride can be a difficult concept for some people to get their heads around. It doesn’t have to be about being proud of the things we struggle with. You can have pride and still be frustrated by your disability. Both can be true. For me, Disability Pride is about dignity, self-respect and knowing that who you are is valid. Loving yourself as you are and feeling free to take up space in the world without needing to change yourself.

What allies can do to support the disabled community

The concept of disability allies is interesting, as you may be an ally now, but anyone can become disabled at any time, so you’re not just fighting on behalf of others, but perhaps your future self. Your future family. Anyone.

To allies, I’d say:

  • Educate yourselves on the pressing issues in the disabled community right now.
  • Seek out disabled voices and learn from lived experience.
  • Ensure you listen to a broad range of voices and consider intersectionality.
  • Address your own ableism, because it is inevitable in our society.
  • Remember – Disability Pride month is a great opportunity to learn more and get involved – but allyship needs to extend way past July. Think about small changes you can make and steps you can follow that take you into the future as well, and continue your support.

How I care for myself as a disabled person

I try to give myself space and grace. That can look like building in time to rest and recover, making time for my special interests and using these to help me regulate and actively reducing the amount of time I spend in spaces and with faces that aren’t safe for me. For my longer-term care, I am working on being a better self-advocate, and I try to stand up for myself and my needs so I can create an environment for myself which is safer.

What I am celebrating and where I want to see further change

I am celebrating the brilliant, supportive, creative and passionate disabled community. The friends I’ve made, the things I’ve learnt and the stories that I’ve been lucky enough to hear. I’m celebrating the people and places who have been accommodating and supportive and the small steps towards positive change I have seen.

In terms of changes I would still like to see…well, we are still a world away from genuine acceptance, equity and understanding. I want to see a world where disability isn’t a dirty word. Where it is just accepted as a normal part of life, and where everybody is valued for who they are as a human, rather than what they can, or cannot do, or what support they may need.