Disability Pride 2018 takes place on Saturday, July 14 on Hove Lawns from noon to 7.30pm.
FOLLOWING the huge success of the inaugural Disability Pride on New Road in 2017, this year’s event is moving to Hove Lawns.
The event is organised to raise awareness of the diversity and value of disabled people with all (visible and invisible) impairments or conditions and is organised by a diverse committee of disabled people.
Chair, Jenny Skelton, said: “We want to celebrate our identities and feel less isolated in the city, as well as engage with non-disabled people, by hosting a great day out for all!”
Disability Pride Brighton in 2017 was the first Disability Pride event ever in England, attracting over 2,000 attendees.
The 2018 event will begin at 11.30am with a short parade along the promenade, led by Unified Rhythm – a carnival band with over 80% disabled members. The event will then be officially opened by Alison Lapper MBE; Councillor Dee Simson – Mayor of Brighton & Hove; and Jenny Skelton, Chair of Disability Pride.
Throughout the day, there will be live music, acts, performances, and speeches from disabled people; work from disabled artists; and stalls from organisations who offer support or activities to local people and families, friends, and carers who are part of this diverse community.
The idea for Disability Pride came from disabled Brighton mum, Jenny Skelton, who also has three adopted children with various impairments.
Since last year, the group has grown significantly and has now launched a supported volunteering programme so that more people with both visible and invisible impairments or conditions can get involved and help break down barriers.
Richard Lane, Head of Communications at disability charity Scope, said: “We are delighted to support Disability Pride. Last year’s event was a smash hit, and we’re sure that this year is going to be even bigger and better.
“Disability Pride is invaluable, it brings disabled and non-disabled people together to change and challenge negative attitudes and perceptions.
“Disability rights have come a long way in Britain, but we know that disabled people still face barriers in too many areas of life.
“We hope this event allows people to celebrate what’s been achieved and to keep building a community to fight these challenges. Happy Pride to everyone celebrating!”
Funding has so far come from Sussex Community Foundation and Brighton & Hove Buses. The project is also supported by the Local People projects in Brighton and Hove, both of which are supported by Scope and funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised by HealthWish through The Health Lottery. The project has also received investment from People’s Health Trust’s Active Communities programme.
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