We must create lasting change for disabled people
4 min read
As this week we mark International Day of Disabled People, we are called to reflect on the theme: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
This theme is more than a statement — it is a challenge to create a society where disabled people can lead and thrive, not despite their disabilities but because of their unique talents, perspectives, and potential.
Globally, disabled people face disproportionate challenges: discrimination, inaccessible environments, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment. These barriers do not just hinder individuals; they stifle societies from benefiting from the diversity and creativity that disabled people bring.
The UK government is taking bold steps to address these inequities. Introducing disability pay gap reporting is a pivotal move. By highlighting disparities, organisations can critically examine and reform their hiring and compensation practices. Transparent reporting fosters accountability, driving fairer workplaces and empowering disabled people to access leadership opportunities. Ultimately, this initiative will not only benefit individuals but also strengthen businesses and society at large.
The UK has much to learn and implement to truly amplify disabled leadership. While it is encouraging that nine MPs have openly declared a disability, given that one in four of the population reports a disability, this falls well short of having elected representatives that reflect our society. Parliament and political parties must set an example by making workplaces fully accessible and accommodating for all, ensuring that disabled voices are at the heart of decision-making.
However, leadership is not just about policies or representation in Parliament — it is about fostering environments where disabled people can thrive every day. For instance, our education system must better serve children with disabilities. Current statistics reveal stark inequalities: only 25 per cent of disabled children engage regularly in physical education at school, and they are significantly less likely to achieve higher educational qualifications compared to their non-disabled peers. Barriers such as inaccessible facilities, lack of inclusive programming, and insufficient teacher training perpetuate these inequities.
Employment is another critical area where action is needed. The disability employment gap in the UK stands at just under 30 per cent and has barely moved in 15 years. Over 2.2m disabled people want to work but face barriers, from inaccessible workplaces to employers’ misconceptions about hiring disabled individuals. Among young people with learning disabilities known to local authorities, only 5.1 per cent are in paid work, despite research showing their eagerness and ability to contribute to the workforce.
Creating pathways to employment — through specialised training, tailored support, and accessible environments — is not just an economic imperative but a moral one. Employment fosters independence, confidence, and societal inclusion, while also challenging stereotypes about disability. By investing in these efforts, businesses can access a largely untapped talent pool, driving innovation and diversity.
The government’s strategy for rebuilding the UK workforce must prioritise young people with disabilities and learning difficulties, ensuring they have the support needed to secure meaningful employment. Employment is not just about earning a wage — it is about leadership and independence. By equipping disabled individuals to lead in the workplace, we cultivate a more inclusive society.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Austerity policies over the past decade have disproportionately affected disabled people. The United Nations’ 2016 review of the UK’s compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) exposed systemic violations, including harm caused by welfare reforms. The committee’s findings should have been a wake-up call, yet instead, previous governments doubled down on harmful policies.
The tragic stories of individuals like Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Jodey Whiting — who died following failures by the Department for Work and Pensions — highlight the urgent need for accountability. Earlier this year, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) launched an inquiry into whether these failures violated the rights of disabled claimants. This inquiry is a step forward, but more must be done to prevent further tragedies and ensure every disabled person is treated with dignity.
The cost of living crisis is yet another burden hitting disabled people hardest. On average, households with disabled members have average extra costs of £975 a month compared with non-disabled households. Rising energy costs and inaccessible services exacerbate these inequities, underscoring the need for targeted support and systemic reform.
There is still much work to be done. From addressing physical access issues in public spaces to advocating for inclusivity in sport and education, the barriers faced by disabled people are not insurmountable but require sustained commitment.
As we mark this year’s International Day of Disabled People, I urge colleagues across the globe to remember disability is not a limitation; it is a perspective that enriches our world. By breaking down barriers, fostering equity, and investing in leadership, we create a future that benefits everyone.
We must ensure that this year’s theme of leadership translates into lasting change — one where disabled people can lead, inspire, and thrive in every sphere of life.
Debbie Abrahams is Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and chair of the work and pensions committee.
PoliticsHome Newsletters
Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.
