Empowering young people through disability pride

Disability pride is the concept of disabled people embracing disability as a part of who they are.

Disability pride can also mean feeling confident, not trying to hide a disability, and rejecting ableism. Disability pride promotes community and solidarity, encouraging disabled people to be unapologetically themselves. 

Many people see their disability as an important part of their identity. 

It’s especially important for disabled young people to feel this kind of pride. When they grow up seeing their disability as a positive part of who they are, it can help them feel more confident in who they are and build a strong sense of identity. This makes it easier for them to speak up when something is wrong.

Disability pride empowers young people to speak up.

Disability pride pushes for the full inclusion of disabled people, advocating for the removal of barriers and stigma. It empowers young people to advocate for their rights and make their own choices.

Having disability pride helps disabled young people speak up for their rights and make complaints about their NDIS supports and services because it builds confidence and self-worth.

When young people feel proud of who they are, including their disability, they are more likely to believe that they deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.

Disability pride supports disabled young people to:

• Understand their rights

• Feel empowered

• Feel confident to speak up when something is wrong

• Stand up for themselves and others

Disability pride helps young people feel strong in their identity, which makes it easier to advocate for themselves and speak up when something is wrong or they are treated badly.