Celebrating Disability Pride Month in Wales – A Time to Be Proud, Visible, and Connected
- mhmadmin
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Every July, people in Wales and around the world come together for Disability Pride Month—a chance to celebrate the identity, achievements, and community of disabled people. It’s a time to share experiences, challenge stigma, and promote positive conversations about disability.
At Mental Health Matters Wales, we’re proud to stand alongside disabled people in our communities, celebrating the incredible resilience, creativity, and contribution they make. Whether visible or invisible, physical or mental health-related, disability is part of the rich diversity of Welsh life and deserves to be recognised and valued.
What Is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month began in the United States in July 1990, coinciding with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. But its spirit is global—and growing in Wales.
It’s about embracing disability as a valued part of who we are, not something to be hidden, apologised for, or ‘fixed’. Here in Wales, it’s an opportunity for disabled people to proudly own their identities and for allies to stand in solidarity—amplifying voices, sharing lived experiences, and working for equality.
Why It Matters in Wales (2024 Onwards)
Despite progress, many disabled people in Wales still face barriers to equality—whether at work, when accessing services, or simply going about daily life. Negative attitudes and inaccessible environments persist.
Recent statistics highlight the ongoing need for action:
Disabled people make up 22.5% of the Welsh population in 2024, rising to 23.0% in 2025.
Employment rates for disabled people in Wales remain significantly lower than for non-disabled people, at 45.0% in 2024 and projected to reach 46.5% in 2025.
Accessibility is improving, with 5 new major accessibility projects launched in 2024 and 7 planned for 2025, supported by targeted funding and policy action.
Disability Pride Month flips the narrative—disability is not a weakness but a source of strength, pride, and community.
At MHM Wales, we see this strength every day through our advocacy services, mental health support, and community projects. Our work is about creating spaces where disabled people are heard, valued, and empowered to live the lives they choose.
How You Can Get Involved in Wales
You don’t have to be disabled to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Here are a few ways to show your support in your local community:
Listen and Learn: Follow Welsh disabled activists, artists, and changemakers.
Challenge Barriers: Speak up about inaccessibility in public spaces, workplaces, and services.
Celebrate Disabled Voices: Share stories, art, and achievements by disabled people in Wales.
Reflect on Language: Use inclusive and respectful language.
Be an Ally: Stand alongside disabled people, challenge discrimination, and champion inclusion.
Disability Pride and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
Here in Wales, our commitment to disability pride and inclusion aligns closely with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. This world-leading legislation challenges us all—public bodies, communities, and individuals—to build a Wales that is fairer, healthier, and more inclusive for future generations.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month contributes to several of the Act’s seven well-being goals:
A More Equal Wales: Promoting equality and opportunity for disabled people through action and advocacy.
A Healthier Wales: Supporting mental health, well-being, and reducing stigma.
A Wales of Cohesive Communities: Strengthening inclusive, connected communities that celebrate diversity.
A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language: Valuing the contributions of disabled people to our culture, communities, and the Welsh language.
In 2024, we’ve seen new funding allocated to improve accessibility in public services and community spaces across Wales, showing a tangible commitment to making these goals a reality.
Celebrating Together
This July, we’ll be sharing stories, resources, and reflections from our team and the communities we serve to mark Disability Pride Month. Follow along on our social channels and help spread the message that disability is something to be celebrated, not hidden.
Together, let’s continue to build a Wales where disability is embraced as a source of strength, identity, and pride—and where no one faces mental health or disability challenges alone.
Mental Health Matters Wales
Registered Charity Number: 1123842
01656651450
References
Welsh Government (2024). Welsh Population Estimates by Equality Characteristics 2024-2025. gov.wales
Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2024). Disability and Employment in the UK: 2024 Overview. ons.gov.uk
Disability Pride Month UK. (2024). What Is Disability Pride Month? disabilitypride.org.uk
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. An Overview of the Seven Well-being Goals. futuregenerations.wales
Disability Pride Flag: History and Meaning (2023). Wikipedia
The Arc (2024). Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month. thearc.org
Scope (2024). The Social Model of Disability Explained. scope.org.uk
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