Why Disability Pride Month Matters And What It Means for Workplaces
- Elevation Occ Psy
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate Disabled identity, advocate for equity, and challenge the barriers that still exclude so many.
At Elevation Occupational Psychology, we work at the intersection of psychology, work, and inclusion. This month is a powerful opportunity to reflect not only on social justice, but on how truly inclusive workplaces are built, sustained, and measured.
What Is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month originated in the U.S. following the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990. But its meaning is global: a celebration of Disabled people's achievements, identities, cultures, and the power of living fully and authentically in a world not built for everyone.
This isn't just about inspiration or resilience. It's about equity, visibility, and voice.
From Awareness to Action in the Workplace
For many Disabled people, work can be a source of identity and community, but it can also be a site of barriers: from inaccessible hiring practices, to microaggressions, to inflexible “one-size-fits-all” wellbeing programmes.
Here’s what Disability Pride Month calls us to consider:
1. Accessibility Isn’t an Add-On
Physical spaces, digital tools, and workplace policies must be built with Disabled people, not just “adjusted” afterward. That means:
Including accessibility in procurement and design decisions
Ensuring assistive tech and communication formats are readily available
Creating space for individualised, meaningful workplace adjustments
2. Lived Experience Is Expertise
There is immense value in amplifying Disabled voices. That includes learning from leaders like:
Haben Girma, the first Deafblind Harvard Law graduate, who advocates for inclusive tech
Lydia X. Z. Brown, a neurodiversity expert focusing on intersectionality and justice
Henry Fraser, whose memoir The Little Big Things explores life, purpose, and creativity after becoming paralysed at 17
What We're Doing at Elevation Occ Psy
This month, we’re reflecting on the Disabled-led movements that inspire our work and recommitting to practical action through:
“Difficult Conversations at Work” training: Helping managers and teams navigate sensitive health and disability topics with confidence and compassion
Delivering Workplace Needs Assessments and Flexible Working Arrangements Consultations that go beyond compliance, supporting individuals managing health conditions an living with disabilities by designing tailored, psychologically safe and sustainable working solutions.
Inclusive practice audits: Supporting organisations to evaluate their workplace culture, systems, and policies through a disability-inclusive lens
Let’s Move Beyond Performative Allyship
Disability Pride Month isn’t about one post or one policy. It’s about building a culture that sees, values, and centres Disabled people, every day of the year.
Whether you're a leader, practitioner, or peer, ask yourself:
Whose voices are you amplifying?
Whose needs are being anticipated, rather than responded to?
What would an equitable, accessible, and proudly inclusive workplace look like?
Want to Start a Conversation?
We’d love to hear how your organisation is engaging with Disability Pride Month, or help you begin. Visit www.elevationoccpsy.com to explore our services or start a conversation about building inclusive, evidence-led workplaces.
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