Disability Pride Month 2026

July is Disability Pride Month.

Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate disability, start positive conversations, and advocate for full inclusion and accessibility.

This year we’ve invited colleagues to share what Disability Pride Month means to them, and Kat Knibbs – one of our ABL Network co-chairs – shares her thoughts in her own words.

“I’m Kat, and I have been working for Vale of Glamorgan Council for almost four years. I currently work as an Inclusion Officer within Flying Start. My role involves supporting children and families with emerging and additional needs, both at home and in playgroup settings. Inclusion is at the heart of everything I do, and I am passionate about advocating for fairness and equal opportunities for all.

“I am neurodiverse, with diagnoses of dyslexia and dyscalculia, and I am currently on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment. With the support of my line managers, I have been able to put reasonable adjustments in place that enable me to work to a high standard and thrive in my role.

“Like many people with disabilities, I have faced a range of barriers throughout my life. I started secondary school with a reading age of a five-year-old, and I experienced challenges throughout my education and early employment. However, as my confidence has grown, I have learned to speak up, ask for support, and advocate for my needs. This has allowed me to develop both personally and professionally, and to be where I am today.

“I am proud to be neurodiverse and to use my experiences to support others. As one of the ABL Network leads, I am committed to promoting inclusion across the Vale of Glamorgan Council and supporting colleagues who may face similar challenges.

“Disability Pride Month is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate diversity, challenge stigma, and continue breaking down barriers. It is about being proud of who we are and valuing the unique strengths we all bring.

“Let’s continue to promote inclusion - not just this month, but all year round. Everyone is important, and everyone is valued.”

Abl – our staff disability network – meets regularly, and is a chance for colleagues to socialise, offer advice and support and work together to make meaningful change across our organisation to make it an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

Learn more about ABL here.