What is disability pride? Disability pride is about being loud, proud and out there on the issue of disability, impairment, health conditions and all those connected to it.
It recognises both the barriers, discrimination and exclusions disabled people face in their everyday lives as well as leadership and valid contribution we make each day, every day to our communities and societies.
Disability pride actively challenges ideas of ‘normal’ and celebrates the inevitable diversity of the body and mind. Disability Pride is ultimately about disabled people expressing themselves, telling their stories, reclaiming their histories in ways that connect to a broader global drive for rights and respect.
But this is not just for disabled people, it’s for everybody in the hope of an inclusive and fair world for all.
History and human rights
November and December include both Disability History Month (November 22 to December 22) and the International Day of Disabled People (December 3).
UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event, running since 2010, that works to create a platform for focus on the history of disabled peoples struggle for equality and human rights. This years theme looks at Disability and Art.
International Day of Disabled People is a day observed by the United Nations.
Its aim is to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of disabled people.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of disabled people in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. This years theme is the ‘transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all’.
A weekend of power and performance
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUt9O93G3tg” title=”What is Disability Pride?” /]
So join us over the weekend of December 1-3 to celebrate disability pride in York, with comedy, theatre, dance, music, spoken word and art.
Disability Pride Cabaret
Temple Hall, York St John University, Friday December 1 6.30-9pm
Compered by comedian and activist Laurence Clark the evening presents a showcase of York’s disabled people’s artistic talent.
What is Disability Pride?
York Explore Library, Saturday December 2, 11-4pm
Beginning with a live video link to Urbino, Italy and the sharing of some short disability films with the Eleanor Worthington Prize, then followed by an afternoon of poetry, debate, doodles, zine making and more. With spoken word by Say Owt, including Jackie Hagan of Some people have too many legs and others.
Pop up Disability Cinema
York Explore Library, Sunday December 3, 12-3pm
One disability feature film, some film shorts, possibly popcorn, all about disability and then a bit of a debate about what it all means.
All events are free and will include BSL interpreting. We plan for an inclusive event, but please do let us know if you need us to do anything to facilitate access.