Disability Pride Month
27 Jun 2023
Disability Pride Month is a celebration carried out in July, beginning on the 1st and ending on the 31st. This month is for those with either a disability or a chronic illness and to highlight their resilience, creativity and achievements each year.
As well as celebrating the successes of those identifying as disabled, it is a time to understand the diversity within the community and to take a stand against the stigma and discrimination they receive. By understanding the history and reasons behind disability pride month, we can better understand how we can support those with disabilities.
History of Disability Pride Month & its Aims
Disability pride month started in July 1990 when George H.W. Bush signed the Disability Act into law following a protest where over 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol in March. Following this movement, it was declared that July is disability pride month and celebrations were held around the world.
Over time, other cities and countries began holding their own disability pride every July.
The main aim of this month is to encourage self-acceptance for those with disabilities and to embrace all types of disabilities. It is also an opportunity for those with a disability to share their experiences with others.
Disability Pride Month Flag
In 2019, Ann Magill designed the Disability Pride Month flag. It contains a diagonal banner of red, gold, white, blue and green over a black background. She originally designed a flag with zig-zag lines on it to represent how those with a disability can navigate the barriers they face. However, this design came with accessibility limitations as it created a strobe effect on screens which could make the symptoms worse for those who suffer from seizures or migraines. Because of this, she worked alongside the community to create a flag that was safe for all.
The flag not only looks great, but it also has a deeper meaning. The stripes coming together across the background represents solidarity amongst disabled people. Their diagonal position is to contrast the barriers and isolation that they might face on a daily basis. Each specific colour was chosen so they don’t create a ‘flicker’ effect when viewed and ensure that certain colours are separated to be colour-blind friendly.
Each specific colour has its own meaning for those within the disabled community:
- Red is to represent physical disabilities
- Gold describes the neurodiversity within the community
- White demonstrates ‘non-visible’ and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue represents psychiatric and emotional disabilities
- Green represents those with sensory disabilities
How Can You Celebrate Disability Pride Month in 2023?
In 2023, there are many ways you can celebrate and embrace disability pride month. The first way is to engage with creators that are part of the disabled community. This could include watching content, reading articles, or purchasing books. This can be both an insightful and fun way for you to educate yourself on ableism and celebrate disability pride month this July.
You could attend a disability pride event. Whilst not every town or city will hold their own pride event, there may be one local to you. This is a perfect way to engage with members of the community and show your support as an ally. You could either go alone or with friends and family, the more, the merrier!
You could celebrate by raising money or donating to organisations that support the disabled community. Each charity supporting the community can offer a breadth of support to not only those that are disabled but their families too.
Raising money or donating is a fantastic way to show solidarity and to help make a huge impact on somebody’s life.
Blue Badge Mobility Insurance
We celebrate every member of the disabled community at Blue Badge Mobility Insurance. July is an important time of year for us when we not only celebrate the successes but recognise the challenges that those with disabilities face on a daily basis.
Our friendly online community discusses achievements or discriminations and provides support when needed. If you would like to join our community, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
We can offer insurance for those in a mobility scooter or wheelchair as well as those who are carers. If you think one of these insurances may apply to you, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
There are other important days you should pop in your diary, such as International Wheelchair Day.