UK Disability History Month (DHM) 22nd November to 22nd December 2010

The first UK Disability History Month (DHM) will take place from 22nd November to 22nd December 2010 and annually thereafter. It is already supported by a wide range of disability organisations, trade unions and voluntary organisations.

DHM will raise the profile of disabled people’s rights and struggle for equality now and in the past.

Disability History Month (DHM) will be an opportunity to focus on:

• Celebrating the struggles and achievements of disabled people

• Looking at the history of discrimination, negative attitudes, and oppression (disablism)*

• Enabling pupils, students and staff to challenge this – 80% of disabled pupils report being bullied

• Creating an understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people in schools, colleges, the workplace and society

• Campaigning to change attitudes and practices to make rights a daily reality

• Understanding disabled people often also struggle against sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination.

Schools and colleges are urged to introduce disability equality across the curriculum, hold assemblies, organise events and displays. UK Disability History Month organisers are holding a competition for the best wall displays.

Workplaces are urged to raise issues of disability equality with their staff and customers. UK Disability History Month organisers are holding a competition for good practice in the workplace.

Hate crime, poverty and discrimination are a daily experience amongst the UK’s 12 million disabled people.

DHM is based on the ‘Social model’ of disability. This recognises that it is the barriers of the environment, organisation and attitude that disadvantage disabled people. The history of these attitudes and stereotypes can be explored. New inclusive practices based on disability equality can be developed.

Richard Rieser, coordinator of UK Disability History Month said “DHM presents a great opportunity to recognise and right historic wrongs. The law requires non-discrimination, reasonable adjustments to be implemented, with no harassment.

DHM is about Rights not charity. It is about solidarity in our struggle for equality, not feeling sorry for disabled people. Independence means having control over what happens to us, not having to do everything for ourselves. Giving all disabled children and adults a powerful ‘voice’ is crucial”.

Contact Richard Rieser, Coordinator – 07715420727 or 0207 359 2855

e-mail – rlrieser@gmail.com