Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the different ways people experience disability. It also highlights the importance of identity, community and belonging.
There is no single way to experience Disability Pride.
For some people, it is advocacy and speaking up for change. For others, it is creativity, leadership, independence, friendship or achieving a personal goal. Sometimes it is found in the big moments. Sometimes it is found in the everyday.
Disability Pride also challenges the idea that people with disability need to change in order to belong.
We recognise that disability is a natural part of human diversity. Too often barriers in our society prevent people from participating fully.
These barriers may be:
- physical,
- communication,
- attitudinal
- systemic
But all limit opportunities for inclusion, participation and connection.
Disability Pride is about celebrating identity and achievement while continuing to advocate for a world where everyone is included.
Throughout July, we will be sharing stories from people across Able Australia about what Disability Pride means to them.
From artists and advocates to leaders, makers, gamers and community members, each story is unique. Together, they tell a bigger story about pride, belonging and the strength of our community.
Here are just some of the ways Disability Pride has come to life across our community over the past year.
Disability Pride in Action
Over the past year, we have seen Disability Pride take many forms.
We have seen people:
- exhibit artwork in local cafés
- create and sell handmade products
- reconnect with long-held passions
- build confidence
- strengthen connections
- achieve goals that matter to them
We have also seen people advocate for themselves, support others and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
And we have seen Disability Pride grow into Disability Leadership.
At this year’s Deafblind Camp, the camp was led by the Deafblind community, for the Deafblind community. For the first time, the camp was coordinated by a Deafblind Camp Coordinator and guided by a Deafblind leadership committee.
Camp Coordinator Alex Sar reflected on what that meant:
💬 “It is an honour and a privilege to be the first ever Deafblind person to be the Camp Coordinator.”
Camp Committee member Rodney shared:
💬 “This is the first time in our Deafblind history that a camp has been led by a Deafblind group.”
We have seen pride in creativity.
💬 “I am a proud artist and designer. It is important to me that it is authentically made by me.” – Jamie Lea
We have seen pride in helping others.
💬“I feel proud of the way I help people.” – Shakeira
We have seen pride in speaking up, trying new things, building confidence and finding community.
Because Disability Pride looks different for everyone.
Want to share your version of disability pride? Get in contact with us at comms@ableaustralia.org.au
