We’re Not Going Anywhere: Disability Pride, Belonging, and the Fight to Be Seen

What does it truly mean to belong in a world that often struggles to see your worth? This isn't just a question; it's a lived reality for millions, and it's the powerful heartbeat behind Disability Pride Month 2025. This year, we're amplifying a resounding truth: We Belong Here, and We're Here to Stay. We’re here to challenge perceptions, celebrate identity, and explore how we're reshaping what it means to be truly seen.

My own journey has often echoed that opening question. Like countless individuals with disabilities, I deeply understand my worth – I'm a natural storyteller, a peer mentor, and I thrive on helping others navigate their unique paths. Yet, too often, society's narrow perceptions mean our multifaceted strengths are overlooked, reducing us to a "spiky profile" rather than celebrating our diverse capabilities. This personal frustration, the yearning to be seen for what we can do, not what we can't, fuels my passion. It’s why Disability Pride isn't just a concept to me; it's a living, breathing fight for genuine belonging for everyone.

From navigating inaccessible public transport to attending events lacking basic sensory provisions, everyday life often reminds disabled people they don't quite belong. Consider the stark reality that only 0.5% of UK cinema screenings in 2023 were autism-friendly, or how many prominent football stadiums still lack essential provision for disabled fans. Even professional spaces are rife with barriers: job fairs frequently miss crucial quiet zones, and workplace cultures often fail to embrace diverse talents, forcing individuals into rigid roles rather than celebrating their unique "spiky profiles." These aren't isolated incidents; they're daily reminders that despite growing awareness, the systemic fight for genuine inclusion and the recognition of our inherent worth is far from over.

Imagine a world where belonging means every voice is genuinely sought, heard, and understood. It's a place where conversations are clear and concise, free from unnecessary jargon, and patience is a given as individuals learn and adapt. In this truly inclusive society, our diverse skills aren't just acknowledged; they're actively utilised and celebrated. It's like having a full toolbox where every unique instrument, from a finely tuned wrench to a specialised drill, is put to its best use, never left to "sit there and rust." This isn't about fitting a mold; it's about systems adapting to us, recognising our full potential, and collectively building a space where everyone feels inherently valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Among persistent barriers, disabled people are powerfully reclaiming their space and identity, forging vibrant communities built on collective pride. Movements like #DisabledAndProud amplify our voices globally, but true change often blossoms at the grassroots. Through local advocacy groups, like the social groups I run in Leicestershire, individuals find safe, empowering spaces to share experiences, build connections, and discover their collective strength. Here, honesty flows freely, and we realise the profound power in standing together, supporting one another, and advocating for a world that truly values our diverse contributions. When we unite, we don't just belong – we thrive, shaping a future where inclusion is the norm.

Disabled lives are not temporary, optional, or a problem to be fixed. We are over 16 million strong in the UK – that’s one in four living in the UK with a disability – an undeniable, permanent, and invaluable part of society. We are creators, thinkers, workers, leaders, and innovators who have always adapted and redesigned a world not built for us. We will not shrink to make others comfortable, nor will we apologise for our needs. Accessibility is our right, not a favour. This month, and every month, we assert our inherent worth, demanding not just survival, but the right to thrive, unapologetically and powerfully.

We aren't asking for handouts; we're seeking equitable opportunities to contribute our full potential and drive meaningful change. As we celebrate our pride and presence, we issue a clear challenge: This Disability Pride Month and every month after, don't just stand with us – make room for us. We belong. We're proud. And we're not going anywhere.