Understanding Disability Pride

Most people have probably heard about Gay Pride which is celebrated every year in June. But there are probably far fewer people aware of Disability Pride celebrated every July since 2014. 

At Access Advisors, diversity and inclusivity are at the core of our team, our principles and our mahi (work). So, we thought why not help others understand what Disability Pride is.

It is important to first state that Disability Pride, is not about anyone who is LGBQTIA+ being disabled and is in no way trying to take anything from the Gay Pride movement, or appropriating this hard-fought-for movement. The Gay Pride movement is about being proud of who you are, raising awareness and challenging ingrained biases. It is a great model to follow. 

At it's core, Disability Pride month commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed into law in the United States on July 26, 1990.  But at it's heart Disability Pride is about pride in being disabled (not gender diversity). While it has it's own whakapapa (history) it follows the Gay Pride model, but only for the right reasons.  Disability Pride is all about celebrating the creativity, resilience, and achievements of disabled people. It is also about raising awareness of disability, creating opportunities for positive conversations and challenging ingrained biases and discrimination against disabled people.

Pride vs. Disability Pride

Disability Pride isn't just a general sense of pride. While ‘pride’ typically focuses on personal achievements or qualities, Disability Pride specifically embraces and values your disability.

This distinction is crucial because it shifts the narrative from overcoming disability to celebrating it as an essential and valuable part of your identity. It's about embracing and celebrating your identity as a person with a disability. It's about recognising the strengths, resilience, and unique perspectives that come from living with a disability, chronic illness or mental health condition.

Access Advisors’ Pride

Our team has a wide range of access needs, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. This diversity enriches our team, providing unique perspectives and experiences. From blindness, ADHD and autism to dyslexia and chronic health conditions affecting mobility and causing chronic pain, each of us brings a firsthand understanding of both the challenges and strengths associated with these experiences.

This deep understanding fuels our passionate advocacy for digital accessibility. Our commitment to embracing and accommodating diverse abilities within our team reflects our values of equity and empowerment. This makes us proud to be who we are.

The Disability Pride Flag

The Disability Pride flag is a powerful symbol of solidarity and inclusion. Created by disabled artist Ann Magill in 2019, the flag was created to signify solidarity with each other as individuals, regardless of any borders between us, and fighting for our rights on a grassroots level.

The  black background symbolises the barriers and darkness that disabled people face. The desaturated coloured diagonal stripes cutting through this darkness represent different categories of disabilities. Each stripe signifies a unique aspect of disability, highlighting the diverse spectrum of experiences within our community.  

• Red = Physical Disabilities
• Gold = Neurodiversity
• White = Invisible or Undiagnosed Disabilities
• Blue = Emotional and Psychiatric Disabilities
• Green = Sensory Disabilities

Incidentally, in a move to improve the accessibility of the flag, the stripes which were originally lightening bolts, were changed in 2021 to reduce any negative impact for people with perceptual access needs.

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

So, July is Disability Pride Month. At Access Advisors that means it is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities, especially our own. It's an opportunity to reflect on our progress and the work that still lies ahead.

For us, this month holds particular significance as we highlight the important role of digital accessibility in empowering people with disabilities. We celebrate our diverse team and the invaluable perspectives they bring to our work.

Undeclared Disabilities - The Benefits of ‘Coming Out’

And to 'borrow' another Gay Pride expression, maybe July is also a great time to 'come out' as disabled. It isn't necessarily something to hide, for us it is something to be proud of. 

However, many people live with undeclared disabilities, particularly those with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Fear of stigma, misunderstanding, or discrimination often prevents them from disclosing their disabilities and asking for support where needed.

In New Zealand, it is unclear how many people with disabilities remain unaware, undiagnosed, or undeclared. But many of these people are missing out on potential support and adjustments in their homes, work, life, that could improve their participation in life, society and the workplace.

'Coming out' as a person with a disability can be quite empowering if you are ready. It helps people access the support they need, fosters a sense of community, and helps combat stigma. It's a step towards greater self-acceptance and societal change, creating solidarity and strength in shared experiences, and advocating for a more inclusive world. It's a step towards being proud of all that you are.

Disability Pride is about more than just acceptance. It is about appreciating diversity and recognising the strength and creativity that arises from different lived experiences. By celebrating Disability Pride, we move towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Together let’s push boundaries and work towards a more inclusive future and be proud of who we are.

#DisabilityPrideMonth #DigitalAccessibility #AccessAdvisorsNZ #InclusiveNZ