With July just around the corner, I want to take a moment to say thank you — deeply and loudly — to the disabled people who stepped up in recent weeks.
It’s no small thing. In fact, it’s huge. It’s telling. It's powerful.
So many individuals, each with different experiences, knowledge, and energy levels, reached in and lifted each other up. They showed what community care really looks like. While others turned away or stayed silent, the disability community — once again — did the work. Few asked, “Is this really my job?” Most just rolled up their sleeves. Unlike, say, the MPs whose actual job it is to safeguard rights, dignity, and wellbeing. Oh, the irony.
I'm especially thankful to those who remind me — daily — that I’m in: In their family. In their friendship circle. In their community. In their locality. A message. A pancake. A quiet check-in. A social post. These small, beautiful acts mean the world when the government can’t or won’t uphold the full complement of human rights.
And yes, I heard the door slam as others moved away — some with a whimper, others with barely a shrug. Most shockingly, some of those who moved fastest were organisations whose entire business model depends on disabled people’s money. If upholding wellbeing isn't a strategic focus, what on earth is?
In the thick of all this, we also saw dystopian gaslighting dressed up as reasonableness:
“But you don’t need anything…”
“It doesn’t affect you…”
“You have food, heat, Netflix…”
And yet — in the face of ignorance, the community rose. With dignity. With action. With letters, posts, shares, and good old-fashioned care.
Thank you for your unflinching solidarity. You are the heroes of the hour.
There are more struggles ahead — we know that. But together, we are strong. Together, we are powerful. Together, we rise.
Nothing About Us Without Us… Can Be With Us.
