Every July, Disability Pride Month rolls around — but for many disabled people in the UK, it can feel bittersweet. Yes, it’s a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and community. But it’s also a time to highlight the daily barriers we’re still expected to quietly accept.

At Purpl, we believe in making noise. We believe disabled joy is political. And we believe Disability Pride Month should be seen, heard, respected — not just once a year, but always.

So here’s why Disability Pride Month matters. What it means. What we’re still fighting for. And how you can get involved.

First Things First — What Actually is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month began in the US back in July 1990, to mark the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was a historic moment — a civil rights law recognising the rights of disabled people to live free from discrimination. Since then, July has become a global opportunity to celebrate disability culture, identity, activism, and history.

In the UK, Disability Pride is growing louder — thanks to campaigners, content creators, charities, and communities refusing to stay invisible.

But it’s not about pretending we’re “overcoming” something just to make others comfortable. It’s about being unapologetically disabled. It’s about pride, protest, and progress.

Why It Matters — Now More Than Ever

Let’s be honest — it’s a difficult time to be disabled in the UK. Pride doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay.

Recent government cuts have put even more pressure on our community. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is under review, with reports suggesting possible means testing or voucher schemes — causing panic for those who rely on it to live independently. The cost of living crisis continues to hit disabled people harder, with the disability price tag now sitting at £1,095 extra per month, on average. And social care and accessible housing is still woefully underfunded and often impossible to access.

So yes — we’re proud. But we’re angry too. And that’s okay. Because disability pride and disability protest go hand-in-hand.

What We’re Celebrating

This month isn’t just about struggle — it’s about strength, creativity, and community.

We’re celebrating:

Disabled culture: art, humour, language, fashion, and ways of being that are deeply unique and beautiful
Neurodivergent thinking: the innovation, insight, and perspective that thrives outside of the “norm”
Mutual aid and grassroots organising: the way disabled people show up for each other when systems fail
Activists past and present who paved the way for accessibility and equality — and who continue to push for more

Barriers Still Being Faced

Despite decades of advocacy, we still face:

Inaccessible workplaces: Many disabled people are shut out of jobs, or pushed out due to lack of adjustments
Healthcare inequality: From diagnostic overshadowing to inaccessible clinics, healthcare is often more harm than help
Lack of representation: Disabled people are still massively underrepresented in media, politics, and public life
Harmful attitudes: Ableism remains deeply rooted — whether it’s through pity, infantilisation, or outright hostility

This month is a time to challenge that. Loudly.

How To Get Involved

You don’t need to be an activist to take part in Disability Pride Month. Here are a few ways to support, show up, and celebrate:

Listen and Learn – Follow disabled creators, read their work, watch their videos, and engage respectfully
Share Stories – Amplify disabled voices, particularly multiply marginalised folks (Black, trans, Deaf, etc.)
Check Your Workplace – Is it accessible? Are disabled people being hired, heard, and supported?
Attend or Share Events – From online panels to in-person marches, community events are happening across the UK
Challenge Ableism – Speak up when you see discrimination, assumptions, or inaccessibility
Support Disability-Led Organisations – Fund, follow, or volunteer for charities doing real work

Events Happening This Month

Disability Pride Brighton – July 14th, with a community parade and celebration by and for disabled people
#DisabledAndProud online campaign – Join the hashtag and share your story, identity, or art
Local councils and libraries are hosting exhibitions, speaker events and inclusive activities — check your area!

A Final Word From Us

Disability Pride Month isn’t about putting on a brave face. It’s about showing the world who we are — complex, joyful, furious, funny, brilliant, and proud. And at Purpl, we’ll keep fighting for a future where disability pride isn’t radical — it’s just respected.

Happy Disability Pride Month!

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

Other articles you might like:
You Might Not Know These Celebrities Are Disabled or Neurodivergent – But They’re Changing the Conversation
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
Pride, But Make It Accessible: A Guide for Disabled & Neurodivergent People