Disability Pride Month 2024

Every July, the UK joins the global celebration of Disability Pride Month, a time dedicated to honouring the diversity, achievements, and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

As we begin Disability Pride Month 2024, we encourage you to reflect on the importance of striving for a more inclusive society and workplace. The truth is, we have a long way to go. The employment rate for disabled people is almost 30% lower than for non-disabled people. Furthermore, people with disabilities are over 7% less likely than non-disabled people to hold senior positions or be employed in professional occupations.

At Careers with Disabilities, we believe that Disability Pride Month is not just a celebration, but a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality and inclusion for all.

The Importance of Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month began in 2015 as a grassroots movement to challenge and change the way society views disabilities. One of its main aims is to shift the narrative from one of pity or inspiration to one of pride and empowerment. For many, this month is an opportunity to embrace their identity and share their experiences without fear of stigma or discrimination.

This follows suit from the Equality Act 2010, which exists so that people can be protected from discrimination, harassment, and inequality in the workplace. It aims to increase opportunities for equality and decrease the opportunities for unfair and unlawful treatment of certain categories of people. 

The protected characteristics are: 

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity 
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex, and
• Sexual orientation 

With almost one in four people in the UK living with a disability (24% of the total population), Disability Pride Month serves as a platform to highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of disabled individuals. 

We, as a society, need to recognise and dismantle the barriers that disabled people face daily, promoting greater accessibility and inclusivity in all areas of life. This includes where we work.

Inclusion in the Workplace

At Careers with Disabilities, we’re committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Disability Pride Month is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the progress made and identify areas for improvement. 

Inclusive workplaces not only benefit people with disabilities. They make the work environment better for everyone. 

Here are some steps employers can take to create a more inclusive workplace for all.

1. Accessibility

All workplaces need to be physically accessible to all employees. This includes providing ramps, accessible toilets, and appropriate signage.

Bonus reading: How to Build an Accessible Workplace for Your Employees 👉

2. Assistive technologies

Invest in assistive technologies that enable employees with disabilities to perform their jobs effectively. This could range from screen readers to specialised software.

Bonus reading: Assistive Technology For Inclusive Employment 👉

3. Training and awareness

Conduct regular training sessions to educate staff about disability awareness and inclusion. This helps in creating a supportive environment where all employees feel valued.

Bonus reading: How to Run Disability-Awareness Training in Your Workplace 👉

4. Flexible work arrangements

Offer flexible working hours and remote working options to accommodate the diverse needs of employees with disabilities.

Bonus reading: Is Flexible Working Really Better for People with Disabilities? 👉

5. Inclusive recruitment practices

Implement recruitment practices that are inclusive and non-discriminatory. This includes writing inclusive job descriptions and providing reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Bonus reading: Inclusive Recruitment: How To Do It And Why It Matters 👉

How You Can Get Involved in Disability Pride Month 2024

Whether you’re an employer, an employee, or a job seeker, there are many ways to get involved in Disability Pride Month:

• Attend Events: Participate in events, webinars, and workshops focused on disability inclusion and awareness.
• Share Stories: Use social media platforms to share your experiences and stories of disability pride using hashtags like #DisabilityPrideMonth.
• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about disability rights, challenges, and how you can contribute to a more inclusive society.
• Support Inclusive Businesses: Be conscious of what businesses you buy from. Prioritise businesses that promote accessibility and inclusivity.

Beyond Disability Pride Month 2024

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month 2024, let’s keep in mind that we’re still falling short of a truly equal society. We need to commit to making lasting changes that promote equality and inclusion in all aspects of life, especially in the workplace. 

A good place to start is by simply recognising and valuing the contributions of people with disabilities. This can serve as a foundation for building a more diverse, innovative, and compassionate society.

The team at Careers with Disabilities is proud to support this mission. We look forward to a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Join us this July in celebrating Disability Pride Month and championing a world where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.

Conclusion

Disability Pride Month is more than a 31-day celebration—it’s a movement towards a more inclusive future. So, this July, let’s take the time to reflect, educate ourselves, and advocate for the changes needed to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can pursue their career aspirations without barriers.

How Careers with Disabilities Can Help

Our website is committed to connecting job seekers with disabilities with disability-friendly employers. 

Job seekers

Are you looking for a job with a disability-friendly employer? We only partner with inclusive employers so you know you’ll always receive the support you need to reach your career goals.

Check out the Careers with Disabilities jobs board for all the latest opportunities near you.

Our Job Seekers Support Hub is packed with advice and guidance, including information on your rights, career opportunities, and much, much more. Our blog provides the latest news and advice for disabled job seekers.

Employers

You can demonstrate your commitment to equal opportunities for all by becoming a disability-confident employer. 

Explore our specialised employer packages. Our team of experts offer a range of services to support you in becoming more inclusive, accessible, and successful.

Join our network and advertise inclusive job postings on our disability-friendly jobs board to reach a pool of 10,000+ diverse applicants and top talent.

Feel free to contact us for more information—we’re looking forward to hearing from you.