Disability Pride Month: Why MPs need to do more to support

I once believed that being disabled was something to be ashamed of, often hiding the fact that I had disabilities. When I did disclose I was disabled, I would often face misunderstanding from others and looking back now, bullying over it.

Even when I got to a point when I had to face that I had a disability and use a power chair to get around, I still felt ashamed. But looking back, I had no reason.

This is me, this is who I am, like it or not. I am proud of myself, disability and all, and I think it has come from being in a community that accepts itself, which has helped me accept myself too.

So this Disability Pride month, I ask you to join us in celebrating our achievements, inclusivity and help to promote equality for all. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

What is Disability Pride Month?

July is Disability Pride month. It is a whole month for people with disabilities to celebrate diversity and their achievements. It’s a month to celebrate inclusivity and promote equality for the disabled community.

However, whilst we celebrate, we do this in the face of adversity. We do this whilst we are up against people who just do not understand. But the problem is, some of the people who do not understand are the people who have our lives in their hands. Is that right?

Welfare Reform Bill exposed the ‘little understanding’ of disability benefits

The recent ‘Welfare Reform Bill’ showed us just how little understanding there is amongst lawmakers in this country. I watched Parliament session after session, as it was implied multiple times that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was an out-of-work benefit.

Whether these MPs intended to suggest this, I cannot comment. However, the fact that it was said, for those who did not know, will now assume that it is. Therefore, they may end up voting on something that is factually untrue.

Whilst there have been amendments to the bill and consultations are happening with disabled people and charities, it got me thinking. Is it right that the lawmakers of this land make these rules, having no idea of the facts or the implications that surround them?

Yes, consultations are supposed to happen, but often they don’t. A committee meeting just days ago, in which Liz Kendell and Steve Darling discussed the fact that the reform for PIP was consulted on, in Parliament only. Had it not been for the 120 rebels, a consultation with disabled people would not be happening.

MPs need to understand the Disability bills they vote on

Disability Pride should be a month of celebration, and I, for one, won’t let anyone stop me from celebrating my achievements or how far I have come. But when our own government makes us feel like we are not good enough or worthy, how long before people start to break?

I would love to sit down with all MPs to find out exactly how much they understood about the bill and what they were voting for. Did they understand the impact, or did they just go by the figures? The impact report, the amount of savings, or just the information being fed by their leaders.

I hope that people out there, before they judge, get behind and find out the facts. Look into the true findings, and yes, there are reports out there that are factually untrue.

Which is why it needs to come from the source. The people who know about it first-hand. The disabled community, their carers, and charities. Why are we not standing up in Parliament and answering the questions these MPs have?

I, for one, would be willing and open to any MP or any member of the public who wants to know more to simply ask.

So this Disability Pride month, I ask you to join us in celebrating our achievements, inclusivity and help to promote equality for all.