Every July, Disability Pride Month is a chance to recognise and celebrate disabled people, their identities, and their experiences. It began in the United States in 1990 to mark the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and has since grown into a global movement.
Disability Pride Month means different things to different people. For some, it’s about feeling proud of who they are and seeing disability as an important part of their identity. For others, it’s about raising awareness, connecting with others, and challenging the barriers and discrimination that still exist.
It’s also a time to reflect on the wide range of experiences within the disabled community. Disability can be visible or invisible, physical, sensory, mental health-related or cognitive.
And while some people feel connected to the idea of “pride,” others might not – and that’s completely okay. Disability Pride Month is about making space for everyone’s stories and perspectives, whatever they may be.
Why the Disability Pride Flag Matters
One of the main symbols of Disability Pride Month is the Disability Pride Flag. It was created by Ann Magill, a disabled activist, to represent the many different experiences of disabled people and bring people together across the community.
The original flag came out in 2019 and had bright colours and zigzag lines. But some people found the high-contrast design could trigger migraines or seizures, especially for those with photosensitive epilepsy. After hearing this feedback, Ann worked with others to make a more accessible version.
The updated flag, which is now more widely used, has five diagonal stripes on a dark charcoal background. Each stripe has its own meaning:
- Red – physical disabilities
- Gold – neurodivergence
- White – non-visible or undiagnosed conditions
- Blue – mental health and emotional disabilities
- Green – sensory disabilities (like visual, hearing, or processing differences)
The charcoal background stands for mourning and anger, recognising the ableism many disabled people have faced, and remembering those we’ve lost because of it.
The diagonal stripes show the barriers disabled people come up against, and the creative ways they find to move through them.
Choosing to use the updated flag is a small but important way to show we care about accessibility and inclusion – not just in what we say, but in the symbols we use too.
Moving Forward
Disability Pride Month is a time to focus on the voices and experiences of disabled people. Whether it is through celebration, learning, speaking up, or quiet reflection, it is a chance for everyone to think about how we can remove barriers and make the world more welcoming and inclusive.
If your organisation, team or community is recognising Disability Pride Month, think about how you can create space for disabled people to be heard, valued and celebrated – not just in July, but all year round.