The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates in America selected the 2025 Disability Pride Month theme: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay. It delivers a powerful message that people with disabilities are a vital part of every community.
In the UK as disability rights face growing threats not least with the proposed benefit cuts , in social and health care, education, employment, and public life, this year’s theme is a clear call to action. It pushes back against ableism—discrimination and bias against people with disabilities and exclusion. People with disabilities will not be erased, ignored, or pushed aside.
During Disability Pride Month this July Disability Rights UK has written about Resistance in Action reflecting on what pride means to us amidst the roll-back of our rights and how movements from the past can inspire us to keep resisting and take pride in being disabled.
“ Disability Pride Month is a time to reflect on our successes . As we have faced adversity, we have always stared it down together as a movement and taken to the streets. Even when we feel most alone, we are a part of a movement that has existed for centuries and will continue to do for many years to come….Never forget, against all the structures of ableism and paternalism, we have always shouted above with demands for our autonomy and freedom. It has never been gifted or granted; we have snatched it – and there are many more victories for us to come in the future.”
Leeds City Council lit up buildings in purple tonight and the Disability Pride flag was flying at the Civic Hall, to mark the start of Disability Pride month.
In Manchester there are a number of events later this month
SCOPE also has a page on Disability Pride Month
