Scope and Metro, alongside Hollywood actor Adam Pearson, are calling for people to put forward their disability equality champions, with nominations officially opening for the annual Scope Awards.
Every year, the charity puts out a call for anyone who thinks they might have a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour, or celebrity they think is worthy of a nomination for the awards.
The awards, which will take place next year, for which Metro is the media partner for the second year in a row, aim to not only celebrate the work of the disabled community but also to try and raise awareness of the issues faced by disabled people every day.
The nine categories for this year’s awards will include: Media Moment, Celebrity Role Model, Social Media Influencer, Purple Pioneer, Community Group, Local Service, Colleague Network, Workplace Champion and Customer Inclusion.
These include awards for an impactful media moment that has helped shift attitudes on disability, figures who uses their channels to speak out about disability equality, a community group or organisation that brings people together to create meaningful change in their local area, and for an organisation that removes barriers and makes life more accessible for disabled people.
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Nominations have been tied in with Disability Pride Month, and new research has shown that just 1 in 10 people have heard of the awareness month.
Disabled stars have shared what Disability Pride Month means to them – and urged disabled people to celebrate by putting themselves forward for a Scope Award.
It comes at a time where the future is unsure for disabled people after the government earlier this year announced a huge five billion pounds worth of benefits cuts impacting the most vulnerable.
Last week Keir Starmer survived another welfare rebellion as dozens of Labour MPs voted against the controversial shake-up.
The Government’s stripped-down welfare Bill, which will still see an estimated 750,000 disabled people lose £3,000 a year by 2030 was slammed as a “stain” on the party as 47 Labour MPs rebelled against the Government to vote against its welfare reforms.
According to an impact assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions released last Monday, the revised bill will mean 50,000 fewer people are in relative poverty after housing costs in 2030.
An assessment of the original plans found the measures would have pushed an additional 250,000 people into poverty, with some charities saying this figure would have been higher.
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Adam Pearson, star of A Different Man, and activist and presenter Shani Dhanda, along with stars from hit BBC show The Assembly, praised the event as an ‘important spotlight on disability’, which is taking place throughout July.
But they also highlighted how disability pride and inclusion needed to go beyond just one month.
Adam, from south London, who starred alongside Scarlett Johannson in Under the Skin, and who hosted last year’s Scope Awards, said: ‘Disability Pride Month is so important because it puts a spotlight on disability in a way that’s really positive, that everyone can get behind.
‘But why are we only doing it for a month? Why isn’t every month a Disability Pride one?
‘It’s like saying, ‘this month I’m super proud of myself, but the other eleven I’m riddled with self-doubt.’ That’s not how it works at all.
‘But I’m glad it exists. I think it’s part of a really important conversation and a journey to self-confidence as well.
‘A lot of the time people don’t know what they mean when they say self-confidence.
‘I think real self-confidence happens when you get to show the world that you’re exactly who you say you are, unashamedly and unapologetically so.’
What are the categories for the Scope Awards?
· Media Moment – an impactful media moment that has helped shift attitudes on disability
· Celebrity Role Model – a disabled public figure that uses their platform to affect change
· Social Media Influencer – an influencer who uses their online channels to speak out about disability equality
· Purple Pioneer – someone who raises awareness of disability or works to change attitudes in their community
· Community Group – a community group or organisation that brings people together to create meaningful change in their local area
· Local Service – a local service, business or social enterprise that makes a lasting difference for disabled people
· Colleague Network – a colleague network or employee resource group that makes the workplace more inclusive of disabled people
· Workplace Champion – someone who champions disability inclusion or breaks down barriers in the workplace
· Customer Inclusion – an organisation that removes barriers and makes life more accessible for disabled people
Dr Shani Dhanda, award-winning disability campaigner and TV presenter told Metro:
‘Disability Pride Month is a reminder to celebrate identity without apology.
‘It’s about embracing who we are, not despite our disabilities, but including them as a fundamental part of our experiences, perspectives, and strengths.
‘Disability Pride Month gives me space to reflect, connect, and feel empowered. But more importantly, it reminds me that our stories matter every month of the year.
‘Submitting a nomination for the Scope Awards is a fantastic way to keep disability pride going beyond July.’
Julice starred in the hit TV series The Assembly, which scooped the gong for best Media Moment at this year’s Scope Awards.
What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month began in Boston, USA, in 1990 as a grass roots movement, with a one-day celebration – the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed.
Since then, it’s grown into a global movement. Scope has supported the growth of Disability Pride Month in the UK since 2009.
It’s an important moment for disabled people to come together as a community. An opportunity to share experiences and start conversations.
It’s a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and achievements of disabled people.
Disability Pride Month is for anyone who is disabled – or anyone who wishes to show their allyship by celebrating their disabled communities, like businesses.
It’s a time for embracing disability identity positively. And challenging the negative attitudes that hold disabled people back.
Where did Disability Pride Month come from?
Disability Pride Month began in Boston, USA, in 1990 – the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. Since then, it’s grown into a global movement. Scope has proudly supported the growth of Disability Pride Month in the UK since 2009.
Is it the same as LGBTQ+ Pride?
No. Disability Pride is a separate celebration, focused on disability identity and rights. Some people identify with both communities and both movements are about visibility, inclusion, and challenging negative attitudes.
Why does Disability Pride matter?
Because disabled people still face unfair treatment and harmful stereotypes.
3 in 4 disabled people say they’ve experienced negative attitudes.
Disability Pride helps change the conversation. It’s a chance to speak up, be proud, and create change.
The rainbow of colours on the disability pride flag represents the various experiences and needs within the disabled community. Such as non-visible, sensory, physical, developmental and mental impairments and conditions.
The banded arrangement of the colours represents the barriers many disabled people face and have to navigate through.
This is what each colour represents:
Red– Physical impairments and conditions
Gold– Neurodiversity
White– Non-visible and undiagnosed impairments and conditions
Blue – Emotional and psychiatric conditions, including mental health, anxiety and depression
Green– Hearing impaired, vision impaired, audio processing and all other sensory impairments and conditions
Charcoal– The charcoal background is to represent people in the community who have experienced ableism, and to protest against this
Julice said: ‘It’s so important to celebrate Disability Pride Month because I truly believe that speaking up, not letting people forget we exist, and showing the world our uniqueness and beauty, makes the world a brighter and more united place.’
Jacob, who also starred in the programme, said: ‘Disability Pride Month is a wonderful chance for people like me to celebrate our achievements and for everyone to recognise us for who we are.
‘I was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and I know that not all disabilities are visible.’
Disability Pride Month is a reminder to celebrate identity without apology.
Jacob urged people to nominate themselves for the 2026 Scope Awards, adding:
‘Winning the Scope Award for Media Moment made it one of the happiest nights of my life. And I would recommend anyone who can to enter the 2026 Scope Awards.’
James Taylor, Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change at Scope, said:
‘Disability Pride Month is a celebration of the creativity, resilience and achievements of disabled people.
‘It’s also an important time to start conversations and challenge the negative attitudes that disabled people face all too often.
‘But it’s crucial to remember that disability inclusion has to go beyond just one month.
‘The Scope Awards celebrate the people and organisations who are striving to create an equal future year-round. Celebrate your disability equality champion by submitting a Scope Awards nomination.’
For more details about the awards and how to nominate someone please visit scope.org.uk
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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