Disability Pride Month: Reflections from the Leeds Mindful Employer Network

July marked Disability Pride Month. At Leeds Mind, we took the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, creativity, diversity and resilience of disabled people.

One of the key messages of Disability Pride is that disability is not something that needs to be fixed or hidden. Our disabilities are part of our identities. We experience the world in diverse ways and that’s something to be celebrated, not shied away from.

Project Assistant on the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, Katie Morris, attended a talk from disability activist, Chloe Tear, as part of Leeds Mind’s Disability Pride Month Activities. Here, Katie reflects on the experience.

“Identifying as disabled myself, Disability Pride Month is important to me, and being able to hear from a disabled creator and activist was a great opportunity. Chloe’s talk was candid, emotive and informative.[vc_gallery css="" type="flexslider_style" images="19060,19061" onclick="link_no"]My key takeaways from the talk were:

My biggest takeaway from this talk, especially in terms of something for employers to reflect on, is not to make assumptions and to approach building a culture of inclusivity and meaningful support through open and collaborative conversations. Openly talk with disabled employees about what they want and need from you. This needn’t even just apply to disabled employees; if you can support every employee this way, it will be extremely beneficial to their mental wellbeing.”

You can read Chloe’s award-winning blog at www.chloetear.co.uk or contact her at chloeltear@gmail.com or on Instagram @Chloe_Tear

Thanks to Katie for sharing her reflections with us.