Disability Pride Month is marked each July to recognise the culture, rights, identities and lived experiences of disabled people. More than a moment of awareness, it is a powerful call for inclusion, accessibility and equality. It is also a time to promote disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, something to be respected and celebrated, not hidden or fixed.
More than one billion people across the world live with disabilities, yet stigma, inaccessibility and systemic exclusion remain widespread. One in six people globally live with some form of disability, many of which are not visible. Chronic illness, neurodivergence and mental health conditions are just some examples. Disability Pride Month provides a vital opportunity to challenge outdated stereotypes and fight against ableism, the discrimination and social prejudice directed towards disabled people, often based on the assumption that typical abilities are superior.
Getting involved can inspire meaningful change in areas such as education, employment, media representation and policy. It is also an opportunity for individuals to reflect, learn and take action. This might mean using inclusive language, challenging stereotypes when you encounter them, learning about the history of disability rights, or making your workplace more accessible and welcoming to all.
History of Disability Pride Month
The first official Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990, the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. The idea grew into a month-long celebration in cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago, eventually spreading through global advocacy networks. Although it remains more prominent in the United States, awareness is growing internationally, with more organisations, cities and governments recognising July as a time to promote disability pride and visibility.
The disability rights movement has long intersected with wider civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements, sharing a commitment to visibility, equity and representation. The Disability Pride Flag, created by Ann Magill, reflects the diversity of experiences within the disabled community. Its colours each hold specific meaning. Red represents physical impairments. Gold stands for neurodiversity. White symbolises non-visible and undiagnosed conditions. Blue reflects emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Green represents sensory impairments, including visual, hearing and audio processing differences. The charcoal background honours those lost to ableism and stands as a protest against discrimination still faced today.
#AccessibleOutdoors Month
Alongside Disability Pride Month, July also marks #AccessibleOutdoors Month, which runs from 1st to 31st July 2025. This campaign celebrates the real stories of disabled people enjoying nature, getting active in ways that suit them, and working together to build a more accessible outdoor world.
Now in its second year, after launching in 2024, the campaign shines a spotlight on how disabled people across the UK are taking part in outdoor activities, from adaptive mountain biking and accessible walks to inclusive water sports and cycling adventures. It is a chance to highlight possibility, celebrate inclusion, and continue advocating for truly accessible spaces for all.