Some thoughts ahead of Disability Day

I’m dreading Disability Day solely because I know allies won’t step up. All those organisations , media outlets and brands who celebrate pride and other diversity groups will remain silent on 3 December.

It is not enough for allies – especially organisations – to share a photo and a quote from a disabled person on Disability Day – without payment, without accessibility provisions, and without year round commitment to amplifying disabled voices and working with us. 

It’s also not enough to hold Disability Day events without disabled people in the room. Nothing about us without us. 

A building lit up to recognise Disability Day does not fix unemployment and under-employment and poverty faced by disabled people; it does not stop abuse and violence towards disabled people; and it does not improve accessibility. 

This year, I’m choosing to celebrate disabled people and the incredible work we are doing, rather than educating allies. 

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