UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of our struggle for equality and human rights which started in 2010.
The key purpose of the month is to raise awareness of the unequal position of disabled people in society and to advocate disability equality; to develop an understanding of the historical roots of this inequality; to highlight the significance of disabled people’s struggles for equality and inclusion and the ‘social model’ of disability; to publicise and argue for the implementation of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Equalities Act (2010).
Disabled people don’t just identify as disabled, but also as women or men, girls or boys, straight and gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, black or ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum seekers or religious minorities.
Throughout the Disability History Month, it is important to recognise that disabled people have multiple identities being members of other groups subjected to discriminatory practice and to ensure that the diverse nature of disabled people is recognised in terms of the range and type of impairment that are included e.g. mental, neurodiverse, learning difficulty, physical, invisible and sensory impairments.
In line with the ‘social model of disability the involvement of disabled people, their organisations and leadership is critical in the development of events and resources and focus of Disability History Month.
UK Disability History Month 2023 is from 16th November till 16th December. The theme for 2023 is Disability, Children and Youth
Visit their website to find out more about UKDHM and access resources and details of upcoming events.