What is Disability Pride Month and How Can You Celebrate?

Disability Pride Month is an annual opportunity to recognise disabled identity, challenge stigma and promote equality across society and the workplace. In the UK, around 16.8 million people live with a disability, representing approximately 25 per cent of the population. Despite this, disabled people continue to face significant barriers to inclusion at work. Only around 54 per cent of disabled adults are in employment, compared with 82 per cent of non-disabled adults. Disability Pride Month encourages organisations to move beyond awareness and commit to meaningful, long-term inclusion that supports disabled people to thrive.

What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month takes place every July and celebrates the history, achievements and contributions of disabled people. Rooted in disability rights movements, it reframes disability as a valued part of human diversity rather than a limitation. In the UK, the month has become an important platform for addressing inequality, particularly the persistent disability employment gap and wider social exclusion. Disability Pride Month also highlights intersectionality, recognising how disability intersects with race, gender, sexuality and class. For organisations, it offers a structured moment to listen to disabled voices and take visible, informed action.

How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month: Five Practical Ideas

1. Host panel discussions or educational talks

Panel discussions and talks create space for learning, dialogue and reflection. Inviting disabled professionals, advocates or leaders to share their experiences helps employees understand disability beyond policies or checklists. Panels encourage honest conversation about barriers, adjustments and inclusive leadership, while allowing organisations to demonstrate visible commitment. When delivered thoughtfully, these sessions help challenge assumptions, build empathy and create momentum for change. They are particularly effective when supported by leadership attendance and follow-up actions that show learning is being taken seriously.

2. Share lived experience stories across your organisation

Sharing stories from disabled employees helps normalise disability within workplace culture. This might include written profiles, short videos, internal blogs or hosted conversations. Storytelling builds connection, reduces stigma and allows people to be seen beyond labels. It is important that participation is voluntary and supported, with clear boundaries and psychological safety. When done well, lived experience storytelling strengthens belonging and helps colleagues better understand how inclusive practices, language and flexibility make a real difference day to day.

3. Review accessibility and reasonable adjustments

Disability Pride Month is an ideal time to review how accessible your organisation really is. This includes physical spaces, digital platforms, meeting practices and internal processes for requesting adjustments. Small changes, such as accessible documents, inclusive meeting etiquette or clearer adjustment pathways, can have significant impact. Involving disabled employees in these reviews ensures changes are practical and relevant. Treating accessibility as ongoing work, rather than a one-off audit, signals genuine commitment to inclusion.

4. Run internal awareness and education campaigns

Awareness campaigns help build understanding across teams and departments. Sharing resources, statistics, learning guides and short prompts throughout July keeps disability inclusion visible and relevant. Focus on practical learning rather than symbolic gestures, linking awareness to behaviour and decision-making. Campaigns are most effective when supported by leadership messages and opportunities for discussion. Consistent education helps shift culture over time, making inclusion part of everyday thinking rather than a once-a-year focus.

5. Hire a Disability Pride Month speaker

Hiring an experienced speaker brings credibility, insight and depth to Disability Pride Month activity. Speakers with lived experience and professional expertise help organisations connect strategy with reality, offering perspectives that internal communications alone cannot provide. A strong keynote can inspire reflection, challenge bias and motivate action across all levels of the organisation. When aligned with wider initiatives, a speaker can act as a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change beyond the month itself.

Top Five Speakers to Book for Disability Pride Month 2026

Jonty Warneken

Jonty Warneken is a world record-holding para ice swimmer and financial expert celebrated as the first disabled ice swimmer. Representing Team GB, he has completed major endurance swims in extreme conditions and holds leadership roles within international ice swimming organisations. Jonty draws on his own journey to speak about resilience, overcoming adversity and adaptive performance in both sport and professional life. His presentations blend elite athletic achievement with practical leadership insights, inspiring audiences to rethink limitations and lead with courage and determination.

Darren Edwards

Darren Edwards is a record-breaking adventurer and motivational speaker whose life transformed after a spinal injury. He became the first person with a disability to complete seven marathons across seven continents in seven days, and has led bold expeditions, including kayaking the length of Great Britain. Darren speaks with honesty about resilience, mindset and determination, reframing challenges as opportunities. His experiences bring powerful lessons on redefining possibility, setting goals and leading with grit. Audiences leave motivated to push boundaries and embrace ambition with clarity and confidence.

Fats Timbo

Fats Timbo is a social media creator, podcast host and advocate for diversity and inclusion with millions of followers across platforms. Born with Achondroplasia and navigating dyslexia, she challenges stereotypes and encourages self-confidence in all communities. Fats uses her voice in media, published writing, podcasting and speaking to educate and inspire audiences on embracing uniqueness and fostering inclusive environments. Her engaging style and authentic storytelling make her a sought-after speaker on representation, identity and empowerment. Her work reshapes perceptions and promotes lasting cultural change in workplaces and schools.

Brooke Millhouse

Brooke Millhouse is an adaptive CrossFit athlete, diversity champion and host of the Disabled & Proud Podcast. She uses her platform to advocate for representation, resilience and self-belief within sports and society. Drawing on lived experience, Brooke speaks passionately about disability pride and inclusive practice, offering practical insights for organisations seeking cultural change. Her message emphasises confidence, community and leadership, with concrete examples from sport and activism. Brooke’s voice resonates with audiences ready to embrace empowerment, challenge biases and make inclusion a reality in everyday life.

Ellie Goldstein

Ellie Goldstein is a trail-blazing model, author and ambassador for inclusion. She made history as the first supermodel with Down’s Syndrome featured in major fashion campaigns and international magazines, breaking barriers in the industry. Her memoir, “Against All Odds,” shares her story of perseverance and purpose. Ellie now speaks globally about embracing diversity, challenging perceptions and building inclusive environments. Her presence and insight inspire individuals and organisations to broaden representation and value every voice. Through storytelling and advocacy, Ellie drives deeper understanding and respect for people of all abilities.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Disability Pride Month offers organisations a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate commitment to accessibility, equity and inclusive leadership. By combining education, reflection and expert voices, employers can move beyond awareness and create environments where disabled people feel valued and supported. Hiring a keynote speaker adds depth and authenticity, helping translate intention into action.

One of our dedicated team members will be happy to answer any enquiries via telephone at 0203 9816 297, or alternatively fill out our online contact form. If you are looking for a wider selection of Disability Pride speakers, why not browse our roster of disability awareness speakers?