JB Occupational Therapy Recognises Disability Pride Month

What is Disability Pride?

It’s not about being proud of pain, it’s about being proud of surviving, adapting, and refusing to shrink yourself in a world that wasn’t built with you in mind.

“Disability is natural. It’s part of diversity. It’s part of the human condition”

Judy Heumann

Access Denied

Too many disabled people in the UK are still being dismissed, misdiagnosed and ignored.

The numbers speak loudly:

Over 50% of disabled adults report feeling unheard by healthcare professionals (EHRC, 2023)

“I don’t feel like I should miss out because I have a disability, people around me should be able to make the necessary changes”

Umaymah, Disability Advocate – This Is My “Normal” Podcast Episode 4

Intersections Exist

Disability doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It overlaps with race, faith, class, and culture.

Pride looks different in everybody and every story matters.

Umaymah’s episode and her campaign #DontCurbTheAccess reminded us that access isn’t a favour, it’s a right. Listen to the full podcast episode here or scan the QR code below.

Language Matters!

The words we use shape how we see each other. Say, “disabled people” or “disabled person”.

In the UK, many prefer the social model of disability, which recognises that people aren’t disabled by their bodies, they’re disabled by barriers in society.

Respectful, accurate language isn’t just PC. It’s how we show up with dignity and accountability.

By Shantel Ferguson & Nima Saleh

(Occupational Therapy students and Podcast co-hosts)