Disability Pride Month, observed every July, is an essential time to recognise and celebrate the contributions, resilience, and rights of disabled people. It is not just about visibility but about fostering a culture of inclusion, breaking down barriers, and ensuring equitable access for all.
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Harriet brings over five years of experience in technical project management and KYC platform integration to her role as a Managing Consultant.
Harriet Rhodes-Jones
Principal Consultant, London
The Significance of Disability Pride Month
The origins of Disability Pride Month trace back to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in July 1990. This landmark legislation was a turning point in advancing the rights of disabled individuals. While great progress has been made, many challenges remain, from workplace accessibility to digital inclusivity.
Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to shift perspectives: Disability is a natural part of human diversity and should be recognised and valued as such. It is a time to challenge outdated attitudes, celebrate achievements, and advocate for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
The Disability Pride Flag
The Disability Pride Flag is a powerful symbol of the disability community's strength and unity. Designed by Ann Magill in 2019, the flag features a black background with diagonal stripes in red, gold, white, blue, and green (mental illness, developmental disability, invisible disabilities, physical disabilities and sensory disabilities). Each colour represents different aspects of disability and the experiences of disabled people. The charcoal background symbolises the mourning and rage over the lives lost due to ableism and the struggle for disability rights. The diagonal stripes represent cutting across barriers and the creativity and innovation of disabled people.
Originally, the flag had a “lightning bolt” with five bright colours on the charcoal background, however, it was noted that this didn’t allow for full accessibility for some disabled people due to the the brightness and array of colours and was therefore later revised and re-released in 2021.
Global Accessibility Legislation
A strong legal and regulatory foundation is essential to advancing disability inclusion. Some key frameworks include:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (US) – Prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates accessibility in public spaces and employment.
Equality Act 2010 (UK) – Requires employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals.
EU Accessibility Act (EU) – Aims to improve accessibility standards across digital and physical products and services.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) – A global commitment to promoting and protecting disability rights.
Understanding these frameworks helps organisations create more inclusive environments and drive lasting change.
How Can We All Advocate for Inclusion?
Disability inclusion is not just the responsibility of policymakers or HR teams—it is a collective effort. Each of us has the power to drive change. By challenging assumptions, advocating for accessibility, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, we can help shape a better, fairer world.
As we recognise Disability Pride Month, let’s ask ourselves: What can we do today to create a more inclusive tomorrow? Let’s take action, champion accessibility, and celebrate the strength and diversity of the disabled community.
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