Disability Pride '25

Richard_Scope

As we celebrate Disability Pride—a celebration that is as much about recognising our strengths as it is about acknowledging a shared journey. I want to discuss what Disability Pride means, why it matters, and how each of us can contribute to a more inclusive society.

What Is Disability Pride?

Disability Pride is more than just a slogan or a parade; it is a powerful affirmation that having a disability is not something to be hidden or pitied. It is a statement that disability is a natural part of human diversity, and that the lives, experiences, and contributions of disabled people are not only valid but are worthy of celebration. As we embrace Disability Pride, we reject the notion that disability is a tragedy or a limitation. Instead, we reclaim our identities and assert that our differences make us richer, more resilient, and more creative. It’s okay to be aspirational!

Aspiration provides a mental blueprint—an idea of what one might become. They encourage children to look beyond the limitations imposed by their circumstances and to see the vast array of possibilities for their lives.

It was very much the driving force for the founding families of Scope, and it was the driving force in my home, growing up.

For many disabled people, the world can seem to offer fewer opportunities. Societal stereotypes and an environment that is not always supportive can lead to a dangerous cycle: low expectations may limit opportunities, which in turn can diminish a child’s belief in their own potential. However, research has shown that aspiration is not merely wishful thinking. It is a critical component of self-esteem, resilience, and independence. When a child dares to dream, they begin a journey toward self-advocacy and personal empowerment.

Historical Roots and the Movement

The concept of empowerment for disabled people and Disability Pride has its roots in the civil rights movements of the 20th century. In the United States, Disability Pride Month emerged in July following the historic passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990—a law that marked a turning point in recognising and protecting the rights of disabled people 

In the UK, we have seen Disability Pride take many forms—from lively parades in Brighton and London to community events hosted by organisations like Scope. These events are not only celebratory; they challenge the status quo of ableism and demand accessible environments in every aspect of life.

Living the Social Model of Disability

One of the key philosophies underpinning Disability Pride is the social model of disability. This model tells us that while impairment is a part of our personal experience, disability is imposed by the way society is structured. It is not an inevitable burden but a challenge we overcome when society fails to adapt to our needs.  It is the barriers in our environment—be they physical, attitudinal, or systemic—that disable us 

By embracing the social model, we are empowered to demand changes. We are not asking for special treatment but for equal opportunities and accessible environments that allow every person to thrive. Whether it’s a wheelchair ramp, accessible public transport, or simply the recognition that our ideas matter, the call is the same: remove the barriers and let everyone participate fully in society.

The Role of Disability Pride Events

Events such as Disability Pride Month, Disability Pride Parades, and community celebrations are essential for several reasons. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, building community, and challenging stereotypes. They remind us—and society at large—that the disabled community is vibrant, diverse, and dynamic. For many people, these events are a source of inspiration. They show that even in the face of discrimination and physical barriers, we can come together, celebrate our identity, and advocate for change.

These celebrations also serve an important function in educating the wider public. They are opportunities for non-disabled people to learn about the challenges disabled people face, and more importantly, to see that the solution is not pity but inclusion. The message is clear: when society removes barriers, everyone benefits.

Challenging Ableism

Ableism is a pervasive issue in our society—a set of assumptions, prejudices, and practices that devalue and marginalise disabled people. From inaccessible public buildings to discriminatory hiring practices, the impact of ableism is widespread. Disability Pride is about challenging these injustices head-on. It is a call to action: to redesign our schools, our workplaces, our transportation systems, and our public spaces so that they serve everyone equally.

trouble5316

Sorry I understood most but hate ableism in all it's forms .I see it and take it on. And try get get it fixed even though I'm disabled myself

Claire293

I sometimes feel that there is too much emphasis placed on the Social Model. My body actively disables me due to CP regardless of people’s attitude or my environment. I think sometimes there is too much of an ‘either/or’ approach towards understanding disabled people’s experiences and not enough information about other models of disability outside of the Social or Medical Model. Also just because someone diverges from neuronormativity (not talking about CP) doesn’t automatically mean we identify as disabled or having a disability- that’s why the word neurodivergent exists. I am neurodivergent (not talking about CP but other neurotypes) and I think it’s important to talk about different ways of being human without automatically being categorised as disabled. For me the word disabled is intrinsically negative and therefore I wouldn’t use it in the context of talking about neurodivergent.

daz2

Scope doesn't really like talking about the Charity Model or Inspiration Porn. Also, the Social Model is 50 years old and a lot has changed since then. The academic Tom Shakespeare has written how the Social Model is out of date but has found his views unpopular with other academics unfortunately. Sorry if I've read your comment wrong Claire293, are you saying that you do not see yourself as "disabled" in the traditional sense and that you see yourself as "differently abled"?

Claire293

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1045463#Comment_1045463

Thanks for adding the context about the Social Model, I am glad that the academic Tom Shakespeare has recognised that it is out of date- I don’t think it’s just that though I think relying on one model exclusively is too simplistic and and unrealistic. I completely understand why Scope doesn’t like talking about the Charity model or inspiration porn.

Just to clarify I definitely do identify as disabled with regards to my CP, I just think that automatically assuming someone has a disability or is disabled because they think differently is wrong and actually quite frustrating.

For extra context I am also autistic and I definitely don’t consider myself disabled by being autistic, (or consider autism to be a disability) rather I feel enabled because being autistic allows me to have a different perspective and have passionate conversations such as this one. Also being autistic gives me cognitive freedom which is very much at odds with with the physical limitations that CP results it - that’s why I wouldn’t use the word disability to describe being autistic. This is also why I like the word neurodivergent because it provides a sense of neutrality which I don’t think the words disability or disabled do.

What do you think about the concept of disability pride/the different models of disability?

daz2

I'm ok with Disability Pride but I don't celebrate it. At work we do Disability History Month and UN Internal Day for Disabled Persons. I have spoken to disabled people who think Disability Pride is not a good idea as they don't take pride and not proud of their disability so why do they need to celebrate it. I am the opposite though. I am proud of my CP. I wasn't born with it. My birth parents tried to kill me by throwing me into a brick wall when I was an infant. I was adopted and brought up in a loving family. When I traced my birth family they were very messed up. Mother was an alcoholic drug smuggler and father was die hard wife beater. Talk about dodging a bullet. I have heard people, both disabled and non-disabled say there are too many awareness, pride, days, weeks or months throughout the year and every impairment/condition has a day and do we need them.

I think the Social Model needs to be updated as we live in a different world to 1975. I think more work needs to be done by various organisation including Scope to help people understand the damage other models like the Charity Model and Inspiration Porn are doing to the success of the disability rights movement.