Labour’s equalities lead, Cllr Amanda Grimshaw, on Disability Pride Month 2022:

Disability Pride is a time to focus attention on the disabled community and celebrate the pride people have as people with disabilities.

It is a time to to increase inclusivity.

Social media is helping increase awareness so that more people know that its happening.

Originally conceived in Boston in the USA, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was founded on July 26, 1990. This document was the “world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.” – ADA Anniversary Website.

In the same year, the first disability pride parade was held in Boston, Massachusetts. It was held again in 1991 but it ended when the lead organizer, Diana Viets, passed away.

Thirteen years later, the parade was revived in Chicago, Illinois. The event was expected to be fairly small, but close to 2000 people attended, surpassing everyone’s expectations and ensuring a successful launch.

Brighton & Hove is one of the city’s in the world now celebrating Disability Pride month and it’s vital that this month gives cause for reflection and encourages us to look at how we can support our disabled residents to ensure they have the same support and opportunities to live fulfilling lives.

I spoke with a local Labour Party member and disabled person, Stephen Frost, who had this to say:

“Disability Pride actually came along at an important time for me, when I was navigating the world and finding my identity and place in the world as a disabled person who was no longer someone’s full time carer, when that had been my main role all of my adult life.

“My own main support was gone while my support needs increased and I was dealing with bereavement. Disability Pride helped me to find a new community, strengthened bonds with my existing disabled friends, and showed me that the ‘imposter syndrome’ was lying and I had every right to identify as disabled.

“What’s more, it also taught me more about disability and how to be a better ally and friend to other disabled people – as it will have taught many other people, disabled or otherwise.

“It also highlights and educates people about barriers disabled people face in everyday life, socially but also legally and politically.

“At a time where people, particularly marginalised groups, feel powerless and unheard, Disability Pride has brought us together and provided a platform for disabled people to advocate for themselves.”