“Disability Pride is really about changing perceptions, ending stigma, and recognising that disability is a really natural part of human diversity.” Joseph Alderdice, Humankind Inclusion Manager

Throughout July we celebrate Disability Pride Month, the theme in 2024 being ‘We want a life like yours’. This year’s theme comes from The Arcs National Council of Self-Advocates in the US, with the aim to reflect the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied.  

The event originated in the US in 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to prevent discrimination against disabled people.  

Disability Pride Month celebrates the diversity and differences of identities, cultures and the contributions of people with disabilities. It has since become a global movement.  

Across the UK there are approximately 14.1 million people who have a disability, and there is a history of Disability Rights to support them. The first of its kind came into action in 1995 to protect those with disabilities from discrimination through The Disability Discrimination Act 1995. This was replaced by The Equality Act 2010 in England, Scotland and Wales.  

We are proud to be a part of and celebrate Disability Pride Month. At Humankind, we believe in fair chances, this includes being a Disability Confident Employer. Find out more on our Careers page. 

Organisations far and wide celebrate Disability Pride Month in a number of ways; from events and volunteering to sharing stories and training which amplify the voices of people with disabilities.  

One way people show support for Disability Pride Month is to display the Disability Pride flag, which was originally designed in 2019 by writer Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy.

Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill.

The colours and stripes symbolise the different experiences of the disabled community. Each colour has a different representation: 

• Red – physical disabilities 
• Gold – neurodiversity 
• White – invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed 
• Blue – mental illnesses 
• Green – sensory disabilities 
• Dark Grey – represents those who have been victims of ableist violence and abuse.  

The updated flag is the result of a collaborative design effort by the disabled community, who came together to help make the design accessible and inclusive of more disabled people. 

Joesph Alderdice, Humankind’s Inclusion Manager has highlighted the importance of Disability Pride Month, what it represents and why we take part in the celebrations in the video below.

The North Yorkshire Horizons ‘Telephone Recovery Service’ is a supportive system within North Yorkshire’s drug and alcohol support service which allows people who have issues with substance use to talk with someone, over the phone, who has been through similar experiences in the past.

The Telephone Recovery Service is made up of a small team of dedicated volunteers who flexibly give their time each week to be there for the people North Yorkshire Horizons supports who need someone to listen.

Their friendly, non-judgemental approach to taking the calls aims to support people to reduce their drug or alcohol use and sustain their recoveries. These volunteer recovery voices have now donated their valuable time to support over 100 people in North Yorkshire.

Kevin Rafferty, Community Asset Coach at North Yorkshire Horizons, said: “Our Telephone Recovery Service has become an invaluable resource. It allows people who are accessing our support the opportunity to speak with someone who has been in a similar place as themselves. It gives people extra reassurance that we are here for them and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“People who use drugs or alcohol often also experience social isolation and loneliness but having that lived experience on our team shows that it is possible to make positive changes and go on to live a life that is meaningful to them.”

Rebecca Tait, Volunteer Coordinator at North Yorkshire Horizons, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the commitment of all our volunteers. We have many roles for volunteers, but the Telephone Recovery Service is a really special one, where they each bring something unique to the team.

“The feedback we get from both Key Workers and those using the service is incredibly positive and proves how valuable it is to have lived experience in recovery.”

Someone who has experienced using the Telephone Recovery Service said: “Your contact has helped me big time this week. I’m sure it’s a huge support keeping me focussed, a major part in my recovery.”

Having someone to speak to with their own lived experience of substance use allows people to open up, receive wellbeing support without fear of judgment, and see that recovery is possible.

The calls are not there to replace the vital in-person work carried out by North Yorkshire Horizon’s key support workers but to provide additional wraparound support to people engaging with the service.

The combination of structured and flexible treatment options gives people more freedom to access the support they need when they need it, without the worry of isolation, geographical barriers, cost of travel, or time issues.

The Telephone Recovery Service also brings benefits for the volunteers who answer the calls. It’s a flexible role providing volunteers who are in recovery from substance use to develop their skills whilst supporting others.

People who complete treatment with North Yorkshire Horizons and Humankind, the national provider which runs the service, have the opportunity to secure employment after volunteering. Two Telephone Recovery Service volunteers have already progressed into paid roles at the service.

Training for the role includes safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries, whilst also exploring conversation starters, using open-ended questions, active listening skills and wellbeing strategies.