Disability History Month is a time to reflect on the significance of disability in our society. But what does Disability History Month mean in practice? It’s not just about revisiting the past—it’s also about empowering people today and advocating for change in housing, employment, and public spaces. History Month is a time to honour the voices and experiences of disabled people and reflect on the progress of disability rights. This month isn’t just about the past—it’s about your stories, your achievements, and your vision for the future.
Whether it’s a personal experience, the story of an inspiring activist, or a book or film recommendation, your contributions will shape the way we celebrate disability this year.
Share Your Story and Make a Difference
What Does Disability History Month Mean in Practice? Beyond Disability History Month
Disability History Month runs from 14th November to 20th December 2024. At Difference, we believe it’s about taking action. Through the Members Make the Difference program, Difference North East offers events to help turn awareness into change.
We invite you to tell us about the people, books, or films that have made a difference in your life. It could be a teacher, artist, or activist who inspired you—or a book or movie that resonated with you. Sharing sorties that have shaped your understanding of Disability.
- Submit your story or recommendations: Email us at hello@differencenortheast.org.uk with the subject line “Disability Books” or “Disability Film”.
- Tag us on social media with your recommendations, and we’ll share your contribution.
- As a thank-you, you’ll receive a £25 lived experience voucher. If you’re an artist or creator interested in collaborating, we’d love to hear from you!
Join Our New Program: Members Make The Difference
Our “Members Make The Difference” initiative offers exclusive events for members to connect, learn, and discuss topics related to disability. So, it is the intention that these events are a great way to build community and engage with important issues.
Upcoming Events
Free Training: Introduction to Neurodivergence. Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, 6 PM (Online).
Join this 90-120 minute session to explore neurodivergence and provide feedback to help us improve future training. Your insights will shape this exciting new program.
Film Discussion Night: Members Make the Difference Tuesday, 26th November 2024, 6 PM (Online).
Come watch a film with us—differently! We’ll be watching one of two thought-provoking films about the disability rights movement, and we want your vote!
Vote now! Should we discuss:
- ‘Then Barbara Met Alan‘ – A powerful love story intertwined with disability rights activism.
- ‘Crip Camp‘ – A groundbreaking look at the disability rights movement, starting from a summer camp experience.
How it works:
- Join us on Zoom for a group discussion afterward.
- BSL interpretation will be available.
- This event is for members only. Be sure to register in advance to join the conversation! Keep an eye on our social media channels for the film poll and make your voice heard.
Monthly Online Discussions Starting in 2025
From January 2025, join us on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for online discussions on topics that matter to disabled people. BSL interpretation will be available for every session.
Upcoming events:
- 28th January 2025 – Employment, PIP, and WCA
Hear about other members experiences of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments (WCA), and employment challenges, what do you think needs to change? - 25th February 2025 – What Do You Need from a Home? Housing and Accessibility. Come along and share your point of view, discuss with other members what makes a home truly accessible, and explore how to adapt your home or find accessible housing that meets your needs.
These sessions provide a space to share experiences, connect with others, and explore solutions together – to help you understand and advocate for the changes that matter most.
Your input matters—join the conversation!
Finding Support: Accessible Homes and PIP
This Disability History Month, let’s also focus on practical steps to enhance everyday life, the focus of these sessions will be decided by the members who attend with difference staff helping with facilitation ensuring all voices are heard.
If you need help adapting your home or finding accessible housing, there are programs and resources available to assist with modifications like stairlifts, ramps, or accessible bathrooms, but these can be a nightmare to navigate, how can we support each other with this? How can we push for change here?
Navigating the PIP application process or WCA assessments can feel overwhelming. With this in mind, the January 2025 discussion session will provide practical advice and a space to ask questions about how to get PIP and advocate for employment opportunities. If this speaks to you, then you should join us to connect with others members who have faced similar challenges and learn useful tips for managing these systems or talk about how these barriers can be challenged together.
A Month for Pride, Not Pity
We are shifting narrative away from pity and toward empowerment by focusing on the barriers created by society – not the individual’s impairments. Society needs to change – not us, and so this month is an opportunity to highlight the achievements and diversity of disabled people while advocating for accessible spaces, inclusive policies, and equitable opportunities.
How You Can Get Involved
- Join as a member: Access exclusive events like film nights, training, and discussions.
- Share your story: Submit a paragraph, audio clip, or photo that celebrates your experiences or inspirations.
- Participate in discussions: Join us online each month to share your thoughts and experiences.
- Advocate for change: Speak up about barriers in housing, employment, and public spaces.