The View from Where I Sit

Blog

  • The Highway Code

    I just recently found out that it is illegal for wheelchair users to roam the streets without lights.

    The Highway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promote road safety and applies to all road users including pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, as well as motorcyclists and drivers. It gives information on road signs, road markings, vehicle markings, and road safety. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone and aims to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system.

    I knew that it was unsafe but I didn’t realise it was illegal. How can it be illegal if wheelchairs are not licensed vehicles? What if wheelchair users don’t have access to lights? What if they are expensive and unaffordable?

    Lights or reflectors can be purchased online through Amazon. They can also be found at any cycling store. So now that we know, let’s abide by the rules!

    https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/

  • The Ugly Laws

    The Ugly Laws were a series of laws passed in the United States from the 1860s to the 1970s that prohibited people with disabilities or other perceived “unattractiveness” from appearing in public.

    They continue to influence policy today, and the lives of millions of disabled Americans. The intersection between ableism, classism, & race is inseparable, and learning more about disability rights issues / history equips you to better understand social justice issues occurring globally. This is why disability pride is important.

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-ugly-laws-america-disability?fbclid=IwY2xjawHUT6dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHT-H0_Y1H6DppDzMZIwA6mTxAgMhfFy7rYqoVVpquCzlv1dhCBtaZuj2Xg_aem_lOtDEhvTvCjNM1-QDCsAJA

    https://www.moderndisability.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHUVDtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHctwTw_O0DVGiF4SyEUqh2JjrC8VLulp6Ujdo6lZKQpa9y7sLdL1rlyIuA_aem_rY0LAzwS64i8IIKLby2L8A

  • Who decides when I die?

    ASSISTED DYING BILL 2024 UK

    I am against this assisted dying . It’s legalised murder. I am completely behind Tani Grey Thompson and her views. Life is to be valued. The Bill is ungodly.

    Murder, in criminal law, is defined as the killing of one person by another that is not legally justified or excusable, usually distinguished from the crime of manslaughter by the element of malice premeditated.

    The penalty for illegal murder is capital punishment.

    Euthanasia

    Euthanasia means “a gentle and easy death.” Not a painful and screaming death.
    What is the reality in hospitals?
    • Doctors offer support systems to help patients live as active as possible until death.
    • Most doctors carry out euthanasia yet still don’t do anything for it to be legalized.

    Voluntary euthanasia sometimes called assisted suicide is where the patients have made it clear that he/she wishes to die and requests help to bring this about. There are many alternative approaches and options.

    For example:
    • People refusing medical treatment even if that treatment is required to save their life.
    • Advanced decision such as stopping the life support machine.
    • The patients refuse the attempting of resuscitation orders (CPR).

    Arguments For
    • The right of the individual to choose should be paramount. So long as the patient is articulate, and his or her intent is clear beyond doubt, there need be no further questions.
    • Many people think that each person has the right to control his or her body and life and so should be able to determine at what time, in what way and by whose hand he or she will die.
    • Human beings should be as free as possible. Unnecessary restraints on human rights are a bad thing.
    • Human beings are independent biological entities, with the right to take and carry out decisions about themselves, providing the greater good of society doesn’t prohibit this. Related to this is a firm belief that death is the end.
    • The right to life is not a right simply to exist.
    • The right to life is a right to life with minimum quality and value.
    • Death is the opposite of life, but the process of dying is part of life.
    • Dying is one of the most important events in human life.
    • Dying can be good or bad.
    • People have the right to try and make the events in their lives as good as possible, so they have the right to try to make their dying as good as possible.
    • If the dying process is hostile, people should have the right to shorten it, and reduce the excruciating discomfort.
    • If an animal had a life threatening illness, the vet thinks the kindest way to treat the animal would be to put it to sleep. Therefore if Euthanasia happens with animals then it should happen with humans too.
    • Six out of ten adults (60%) would only want comfort care at the end of their lives, although just 3% had made their treatment wishes clear in an advanced decision.
    • Fewer than two in ten people (14%) would want medical intervention- with less than one in ten (8%) people wanting full medical intervention at the end of life.
    • A survey found that a large majority (75%) of the British population think that legislation on Euthanasia should be amended to allow some degree of assisted suicide. Just over two thirds (67%) think that doctors in particular should have the legal power to end the life of a terminally ill patient who has personally given a clear indication of wanting to die.
    • This argument goes that since euthanasia will continue to take place, even though it’s illegal, it would surely be better to make it legal and regulate it to minimize abuse.
    • A Medix survey in the UK in 2004 found that 45% of doctors understood that their colleagues actively helped their patients die.
    • Vulnerable patients might be better protected than they are at present if there were set procedures and rules that had to be followed for euthanasia.
    • A patient who feared that they were under pressure to decide in favour of euthanasia would be able to gain help and support by initiating the formal procedures involved in regulated euthanasia – something that they cannot do now.
    • People have an explicit right to die.
    • A separate right to die is not necessary, because our other human rights imply the right to die
    • Death is a private matter and if there is no harm to others, the state and other people have no right to interfere
    • It is possible to regulate euthanasia.
    • Allowing people to die may free up scarce health resources.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Euthanasia satisfies the standard that moral rules must be universal.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Is death a bad thing?

    Arguments Against
    • Euthanasia would not only be for people who are “terminally ill.”
    • Euthanasia can become a means of health care cost containment.
    • Euthanasia will become non-voluntary.
    • Euthanasia is a rejection of the importance and value of human life.
    Dignity in Dying is a campaign that supports Euthanasia. They also have famous patrons who share their views of supporting this campaign. These patrons include Jo Brand who is a comedian, Sir Patrick Stewart who is a famous British actor.

    • Euthanasia has already been legalised in these countries:

    Oregon- 2001

    Belgium- May 2002

    Luxembourg- February 2008

    The Netherlands- 2002

    This bill contradicts the Equality Act 2010, which gives everyone the right to life. It’s all about affirming and defending human dignity, and the right to life of every human being.

    Hi, MPs voted on 29 November on an extreme Bill that, if successful, will introduce a dangerous assisted suicide law. This Bill is being rushed through Parliament. It was only published at 10pm on 11 November, giving MPs and the public barely two and half weeks to scrutinise the Bill before it goes to a vote. It’s vital that MPs hear from us now, showing that there are many who oppose this extreme and harmful change from being rushed into law – a change that would put countless vulnerable lives at risk. You can help stop this from happening by contacting your MP now using this simple tool: https://righttolife.org.uk/9ly4.

    I just emailed my MP, and it took less than 30 seconds!

    Please make sure to share with a friend after emailing your MP – every share is crucial to help us defeat this Bill.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2l7m6r55do

    https://righttolife.org.uk/

    http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/assited-dying.html.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/assisted-dying-bill-law-passed-mps-tanni-grey-thompson-b2656170.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawG4IglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfpn6mIPKMva9cCa21z2w20Mm-nSiaOVg3P2wFYGhyoGX_gLvAP8gyb5Pg_aem_zRNkQNJ1C1NsVh5U4JuBoQ

    https://www.britannica.com/topic/murder-crime

  • SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

    What is Scoliosis?
    Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. In most cases, scoliosis develops in childhood or adolescence and can progress over time. It is often detected during routine physical exams, and early detection is important to prevent the condition from worsening.

    There are different types of scoliosis, including:

    Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common form of scoliosis and has no known cause.
    Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and is caused by abnormal spinal development.
    Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by underlying conditions that affect the nervous system or muscles, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

    Symptoms of Scoliosis
    In many cases, scoliosis is not painful and may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the curvature of the spine worsens, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

    Uneven shoulders or hips
    A visible curve in the spine
    Back pain
    Difficulty breathing
    Fatigue

    Diagnosis and Treatment of Scoliosis
    If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor will perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI. Treatment for scoliosis will depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient.

    In mild cases, scoliosis may not require any treatment. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be necessary to prevent the condition from worsening and causing health problems.

    Treatment options for scoliosis may include:

    Observation: In some cases, the doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor the progression of the condition. It’s important to note that observation is not a treatment, and is only appropriate for very small curves which may not progress.
    Bracing: For moderate scoliosis, a brace may be worn to prevent the curvature from worsening.
    Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the spine and prevent further health problems.

    Scoliosis Awareness Month
    Scoliosis Awareness Month is observed annually in June to raise awareness about scoliosis and promote early detection and treatment. During this month, organizations and individuals around the world work to educate the public about the condition and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

    One of the primary goals of Scoliosis Awareness Month is to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of screening for scoliosis in children. Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve the long-term health outcomes for those affected. Since there is no national screening program in the UK, it’s down to the general population to screen for Scoliosis.

    Scoliosis Awareness Month also provides an opportunity to support those living with scoliosis and raise funds for research into new treatments and a better understanding of the condition.

    Spinal Fusion surgery has been recommended to me to fix scoliosis, where they cut the spine open and put metal rods in your back to fix the curvature of the spine.

    It can have respiratory complications.

    Spinal fusion surgery may lead to respiratory complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, atelectasis, and worsening of pre-existing chronic lung conditions. These issues could be more indicative of long-term mortality post-surgery than cardiac complications, particularly in elderly patients. The occurrence of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) may also elevate the risk of in-hospital mortality. It is crucial for patients to be informed about these risks before undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

    https://scoliosisclinic.co.uk/tag/scoliosis-awareness-month/

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6314350/

  • What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?

    Ever since I’ve embarked on my journey to marketing myself as an Access Consultant, I’ve had an increasing interest in legislation surrounding Access Consultancy. I believe my BA Degree in History and Politics has sparked this interest.

    Before then, I had never heard of Access Consultancy.

    Are WCAG guidelines law?
    Whilst the WCAG standards themselves do not function as law, they represent the internationally recognised standard for web content accessibility, and you will meet the legal requirements for accessibility by meeting the WCAG standard.

    Who is required to comply with WCAG?
    Ensuring your website is accessible is covered by the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, which protects all individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.

    There are equivalent laws in other countries, which encompass web accessibility law and legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) seeks to ensure equal access to digital products and services throughout Europe and becomes law in all EU member states in June 2025.

    The Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR 2018) apply to the UK public sector specifically and require public sector organisations to meet WCAG 2.2 guidelines at AA level of conformance, which from October 2024 will be monitored by the Government Digital Service (GDS).

    What happens if your website is not accessible?
    Not ignoring the threat of legal action, it’s very important to consider the barriers you might be creating for people if you are not ensuring your web content is accessible.

    There are an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK, and in 2019 the ‘Click-Away Pound’, which measures the volume of people who abandon a retail website because of the barriers they found, grew to £17.1 billion.

    Good accessibility practices benefit everyone, not just disabled people. Consider a person using captions when watching a video on a noisy train, or a worker with a sprained wrist using speech-to-text to write an email. Many of us use accessibility features every day.

    The free guide to the Business Case for Accessibility will help you win hearts and minds inside and outside your organisation.


    To find out more about WCAG and digital accessibility join their mailing list or take a look at their free digital accessibility resources. If you’re ready to create meaningful change and achieve significant results, speak to their experts to learn how they can help you to achieve your accessibility goals.

  • The Evolution of Sports

    The Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics are three distinct sporting events, each with its own unique focus and criteria.

    Olympics
    Participants: Able-bodied athletes from around the world.
    Focus: Elite performance and competition across a wide range of sports.
    Frequency: Held every four years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.


    Paralympics
    Participants: Athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities.
    Focus: High-level competition similar to the Olympics, with athletes meeting specific qualifying standards.
    Frequency: Held every four years, immediately following the Olympic Games, also alternating between Summer and Winter Games.


    However, this year, I’ve noticed that, according to Facebook, some Paralympians are not participating because they are being seen as participants not competitors. This is the new campaign from Paralympic Games that challenges the language bias in the media. It’s time to set the record straight as many of the world’s leading Paralympians declare that they are not just “participating” but “will be competing” at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    Are we inspiration porn?

    This is a shame for an organisation whose vision is, “To Enable Paralympic Athletes to Achieve Sporting Excellence and Inspire and Excite the World”- IPC’s Vision.

    Special Olympics
    Participants: Athletes with intellectual disabilities, and sometimes additional physical disabilities.
    Focus: Promoting inclusion and personal achievement through sports, with a strong emphasis on participation and personal bests rather than elite competition.
    Frequency: Year-round local, regional, and national competitions, with World Games held every four years.

    The World Games are an international multi-sport event comprising sports and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. They are usually held every four years, one year after a Summer Olympic Games, over the course of 11 days. The World Games are governed by the International World Games Association, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.

    In the most recent editions, between 25 and 34 sports have been included in the official program. Several sports or disciplines that were on the program of The World Games have been discontinued because they are now included in the programme of the Olympic Games. Around 3500 participants from around 100 nations take part.

    The World Games differs from other multi-sport events, such as the Olympic Games, in that host cities are not required to construct new venues or facilities for the Games. The competitors are selected by the sports’ international federations, as opposed to by National Olympic Committees or national governing bodies. In most disciplines, qualification is by a top ranking at the world championships or a qualification tournament. This is intended to ensure the top athletes in a sport compete at the Games.

    The event is officially known as “The World Games”, spelled with a capital T.

    The first edition of The World Games was held in Santa Clara, California, United States, in 1981, and the eleventh edition was held in Birmingham, Alabama, United States from 7 to 17 July 2022. The current edition was originally intended to be held in 2021, but it was delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    History
    The idea for a multi-sport event for non-Olympic sports came from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Realising that there were few opportunities to become part of the Olympic program, non-Olympic federations wanted to form their own showcase event to increase the publicity of their sports, which they called The World Games. These federations formed a steering group in early 1979 to decide on the structure and principles of the games and search for a venue.

    In May 1979, the steering group announced that they had found a venue for the first event: Santa Clara, USA.

    The GAISF steering committee became the World Games Executive Council in October 1979, and the inaugural meeting of the World Games Council was held on 19–22 May 1980, with a purpose of creating the concept of the Games. The World Games Council was renamed the International World Games Association, or IWGA in 1985.

    The first edition of The World Games was held in Santa Clara, USA, in 1981. It was opened by Kim Un-yong, president of the World Games executive committee, at Buck Shaw Stadium. At the opening ceremony, the athletes marched sorted by sport and not by nation.

    The 15 sports at the inaugural games included badminton, casting, racquetball, and taekwondo. The first medals of the Games were awarded in the 640 kilo class of tug-of-war, with the gold going to the team from England.


    After the inaugural Games, the West Nally Group, which had provided financing for the Games in Santa Clara, became owners of the rights to the event, and took the second edition to their headquarters in London.

    For the third Games in Karlsruhe, 1989, the West Nally Group still owned the commercial rights to the Games, but the host city was responsible for the staff and volunteers organising the event. After this, the IWGA bought back the commercial rights, and the organising committees of the host cities have been responsible for the organisation and financing since. This led to the organisers of The World Games in The Hague (1993) asking the participants to pay accommodation costs.

    The 1997 edition of the Games was due to be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, but in August 1994, Port Elizabeth pulled out of hosting the Games due to the political situation in the country. Lahti in Finland volunteered to host instead and signed the host contract in January 1995. Airsports, dancesport, aerobics and jujitsu made their debut in Lahti and have been contested at the Games ever since.

    Following the Games in Lahti, the IWGA and IOC agreed on a memorandum of understanding, which was signed in 2000. Here, the IOC recognised the importance of The World Games and set out shared values, including the IOC providing patronage to Organising Committees, encouraging multi-sport national teams, and working together on anti-doping. It also set out that “disciplines/events of sport that are not on the Olympic Games program could be included on the program of the World Games”. A further memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016.


    In 2001, the Games were held in Akita, Japan – the first time it had been held outside of North America or Europe. Several competitions were delayed or moved to an alternative venue when a typhoon hit the city. For the first time, some National Olympic Committees organised hotel accommodation for their athletes, beyond the time they were hosted by the IWGA.

    The World Games in 2005, in Duisburg, Germany, were the first World Games where athletes paraded into the opening ceremony grouped by nation. Also several standards were set in place which continue to this day, such as the television production of all sports and sports grouped by category, such as ball sports and precision sports.

    The 2013 Games in Cali, Colombia were particularly noted for the large numbers of spectators, estimated at 500,000. For example, the Bullfight Ring, which was the venue for dancesport, was ‘packed’ for the salsa dance finals. This edition of the Games saw the first time a competition was cancelled: due to concerns about temperature and air flow at the Del Pueblo Gymnasium, where the sport of rhythmic gymnastics was taking place, the ribbons event was cancelled.

    The 2017 Games in Wrocław, Poland were the first to be broadcast on the Olympic Channel, to 130 countries. Both the raffa and lyonnaise disciplines of boules were cancelled after a storm destroyed the venue and it could not be repaired in time.

    In 2015, it was announced that the 11th edition of The World Games was to be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA in 2021, beating bids from Lima, Peru and Ufa, Russia. On 2 April 2020, the Games were postponed to 2022 so as not to clash with the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    No parasport federations are currently part of the IWGA, but The World Games in Birmingham was the first edition to include parasports, with the inclusion of wheelchair rugby. Birmingham was also to include disabled athletes (one per gender) in archery. The IWGA is also aiming to secure a partnership with the International Paralympic Committee and include a quota for para-athletes.

    In 2019, it was announced that The World Games in 2025 will take place in Chengdu, China.


    Each of these events plays a crucial role in promoting sports and inclusivity on a global scale. Do you have a favorite among these events or any specific questions about them?

    https://www.paralympic.org/paris-2024/news/paralympians-not-participating-paris-2024-paralympics?fbclid=IwY2xjawEuMjBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYjbvn4gemyuX754G-rBW9I_vSSzZ0A2J8r13xw4ZVUGQ3Ia15mYHOZGEg_aem_xNarhjUp8jHsx-LU60IZfQ

    Disability and Social Media: Global Perspectives – Google Books

  • Ableism vs Disablism

    What is ableism?


    Ableism gives a negative view of disability. It identifies being nondisabled as the ideal and disability as a flaw or abnormality.

    It is a form of systemic oppression that affects people who identify as disabled, as well as anyone who others perceive to be disabled.


    “Internalised ableism can have effects on individuals’ mental and physical health. It can lead to self-blame, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.”

    Are you struggling with internalised ableism?
    Ableism and disablism, while often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings that influence our understanding of disability and discrimination.

    Ableism refers to the attitudes, beliefs, and practices that devalue people with disabilities. It’s rooted in the assumption that able-bodied and neurotypical individuals are the norm, making those who deviate from these standards seem inferior.

    Ableism manifests in various ways, from physical barriers, like buildings without ramps, to societal stigmas surrounding mental health. It often goes unnoticed, embedded in the everyday fabric of society.

    For example, a classroom that lacks accessible materials for a visually impaired student or a workplace that doesn’t offer flexible hours for someone with a chronic illness perpetuates ableist norms. These situations frequently arise not from malice, but because the needs of disabled people aren’t considered.

    Disablism, in contrast, is a more explicit form of discrimination. It refers to the deliberate exclusion or mistreatment of disabled individuals. While ableism is often unconscious and passive, disablism is active and intentional. It’s the act of marginalizing or oppressing people based on their disabilities. This could be through discriminatory hiring practices, bullying, or even outright violence.

    For example, a company that explicitly refuses to hire someone because of their disability is engaging in disablism, as is someone who mocks or verbally abuses a person with a disability.

    Understanding the difference between ableism and disablism is crucial. Addressing ableism involves raising awareness and changing ingrained practices. It requires a shift in perspective—from seeing disability as a flaw that needs fixing to understanding it as part of human diversity.


    Universal Design, which promotes creating environments and products usable by all, embodies this approach. The curb cut, initially designed to assist wheelchair users, has proven beneficial to many, including parents with strollers and travellers with luggage. This “curb cut effect” shows how addressing ableism can lead to broader social benefits.

    On the other hand, combating disablism often requires legal action and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. In India, for example, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aims to tackle disablism by prohibiting discrimination in employment, education, and other public areas. Disablism demands accountability and ensures that disabled individuals have the same rights and opportunities as others.

    Both ableism and disablism originate from a societal devaluation of disability. Yet, they differ in their expression and impact.

    Truth is ableism sucks. But we need to remember that external barriers and prejudices no matter how challenging they are do not dictate whether or not a Disabled life has meaning, love or laughter.


    The good and the bad without the able world deciding how the Disabled experience should be viewed.
    Simply, listen, and ask how to help change the systemic and institutional barriers we still face today and every day.

    And that is The View from Where I Sit!!!

  • The only disability in life is a bad attitude

    We have ALL heard the quote “the only disability in life is a bad attitude”.

    This quote is profoundly stupid, misleading, and harmful because it oversimplifies the complex nature of disabilities and dismisses the real challenges faced by disabled individuals.

    What we need is a change in societal attitudes, not a dismissal of the lived experiences of those with disabilities.

    People with disabilities deal with pain, fatigue, accessibility issues, medical costs, and social discrimination.

    Does having a bad attitude often hinder your life and personal growth?

    In my opinion absolutely.

    But suggesting that a bad attitude is the only real disability is nonsense.

    Why are people still using this quote?

    My name is Daniella Jade Lowe and this is The View from Where I Sit!!!

  • Why do you think so many people associate mobility aids with weakness and incompetence?

    Some people see mobility aids as a sign of weakness, that people have given up. Well these people are wrong. I know for me my mobility aids are in fact aids of freedom. Just look at what I have achieved this last year and continue to do. I have and I still am exploring places I never thought possible.

    However, it may indicate dependence not independence.
    Unfortunately because they haven’t been taught better.

    I remember when I was against using an electric wheelchair in college, because it didn’t require me to use my upper body strength. I felt that the college was underestimating my strength. I thought it would make me lazy too. I absolutely love them now!

    It’s been great to have the ability to do so much more now than my body would allow.
    Unfortunately because it’s been the “norm,” and there hasn’t been a lot of awareness to prove otherwise. I always try to change people’s perspectives but there are still people who still don’t understand until it’s explained to them or they see it for themselves.

    This is the one reason I would like to start posting more, but, social media is sometimes not used for the greater good, rather than people just wanting to be “influencers.”
    It’s on because you could technically count glasses as a mobility aid.

    Alternatively, aid and glasses are usually associated with competence or being smart. In other cases, it’s a sign of high intelligence.


    Let’s flip the script and start telling able bodied peole that their legs (or other parts) must be such an obstacle for living a meaningful life.

  • Why do we need to celebrate disability twice a year?

    Disability History Month is observed in October, while Disability Pride Month takes place in July. Let’s explore the reasons behind each:

    Disability History Month (October):

    • Purpose: Disability History Month aims to raise awareness about the historical context, achievements, and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
    • Origins: It began in the United Kingdom in 2010 and has since spread to other countries. The choice of October is significant because it includes World Mental Health Day (October 10) and International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3).
    • Focus: During this month, educational institutions and organizations highlight disability-related history, activism, and advocacy. It’s an opportunity to learn about disability rights movements, legislation, and the contributions of disabled individuals.

    Disability Pride Month (July):

    • Purpose: Disability Pride Month celebrates the identity, resilience, and achievements of people with disabilities. It’s a time to embrace pride and self-acceptance.
    • Origins: Disability Pride was initially celebrated for a day in 1990 in Boston, USA, coinciding with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It gained recognition as a month in 2015.
    • Symbolism: The Disability Pride Flag features vibrant colors representing various disability experiences and needs. For instance:
      • Red: Physical disabilities
      • Gold: Neurodiversity
      • White: Non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
      • Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
      • Green: Sensory disabilities
      • Charcoal background: Protests against ableism
    • Importance: Disability Pride Month promotes visibility, counters ableism, and encourages celebration within the disabled community. Allies also play a crucial role in raising awareness.

    Pride in general is in July for the LGBTQ+ community. There are different pride celebrations for different sectors within the community also which include those with disabilities. Like there’s also black pride in August for people of colour.

    Is a flag needed?

    Do you think this is patronising?

    Both months are important. Both months contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, recognizing the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. Both months show a level of intersectionality.

     https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk/about-us/news-and-events/disability-pride-month