July is Disability Pride Month, a time to raise awareness, celebrate the vibrant community of people with disability, and promote self-acceptance while embracing all forms of disability.
You may have seen the Disability Pride Flag (pictured above) before. It is a powerful symbol with deep meaning. Each colour has its own meaning. These are as follows:
- Green: Invisible and undiagnosed
- Blue: Mental ill-health
- White: Sensory
- Yellow: Neurodiversity and developmental
- Red: Physical
- Diagonal Line: Cutting through barriers faced by people with disability
- Black Background: Honouring those who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, illness, or other causes.
So, as a provider, how can you advocate for people with disability today and every day?
You can:
- Listen: Amplify the voices of people with disabilities.
- Stand Up: Confront harassment or bullying when you see it.
- Challenge Assumptions: Don’t prejudge what people with disability can or cannot do.
- Educate: Educate yourself and others. Complete quality training and apply it to your daily life.
- Ask Respectfully: Curious? Ask questions, but always with respect. Talk to people with disability about their lived and living experiences.
At the NGO Training Centre, we recognise that providing quality education is crucial to breaking down ableism and creating inclusive, accessible spaces for all. By sharing knowledge about disability rights, inclusive practices, and raising awareness, we can help everyone play a part in building a vibrant, fair world where people with disability can truly flourish.
Join us to celebrate diversity, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive world!
