Celebrating Disability History Month 2024

Disability History Month (14 November to 20 December) is a chance to raise awareness of disabled people’s histories, identities and rights, as well as to advocate for real, long-lasting change.

The number of disabled people in the workplace has increased in recent years, with 5.1 million disabled people in employment in Q2 2023, an overall increase of 2.2 million since the same quarter in 2013.

There has been an increase in the proportion of disabled solicitors, from 3% in 2015 to 6% in 2023.

We welcome and celebrate the progress made but we continue to push for change and progress, because, like you, we believe that a diverse and inclusive profession is a resilient one.

Throughout the month, we’ll share the stories of disabled solicitors – their journey into law and experiences in the profession. We’ll also highlight the barriers disabled solicitors face and the practical steps you, your firm or organisation can take to make change.

We shared new guidance on disability terminology and language, which will explore how you can make sure the language you use to speak about disability and disabled peoples is respectful and appropriate.

Our Disabled Solicitor's Network Committee chair, Reena Parmar, said:

“When it comes to disability and neurodiversity, people are often so worried about saying the wrong thing that they avoid the topic completely and thus do not talk about the issues.

“This hampers inclusion, because without dialogue we cannot remove the many barriers we face with getting in, staying in and progressing in the legal profession.

“We hope this guidance, by explaining terminology and advising what is generally acceptable, will help people feel more empowered to talk openly about disability and neurodiversity in the workplace.

“However, I cannot stress enough that self-identification (and the language that relates to that) is a hugely personal matter, and everyone should respect how a disabled or neurodivergent person prefers to talk about themselves.

“When in doubt, simply ask the person you are speaking to, in a kind and respectful way, about their personal terminology and language preferences.”

Explore our existing guidance:

• beginning your organisation’s digital accessibility journey
• becoming a solicitor as a disabled student
• reasonable adjustments in organisations – best practice for disability inclusion
• easy wins and action points for disability inclusion

Discover some stories of disabled solicitors:

• “I do the job to get justice for the most vulnerable in society"
• “Autism isn’t often associated with empathy. But I was named a Legal Hero for helping others”
• “I know I have a disability, but I don’t sit and think about it all the time”

Events

Across the month, we’ll be working with and providing speakers for:

• Bates Wells
• Clifford Chance
• Freeths
• Gateley
• Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – watch the recording: assistive technology in the workplace
• Stewarts
• University of Westminster
• Watson, Farley & Williams

Events will focus on topics such as terminology, lived experiences, ADHD, assistive technology and students’ transition from education to work.

Event – has your organisation adopted the Sunflower?

We will also be speaking at an evening event hosted by Clifford Chance and HSBC on 9 December

• time: 6pm to 9pm
• location: 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14 5JJ

The event is open to all – book your place.

For virtual attendance, email: UK.Inclusion@CliffordChance.com.

Find out more about Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative and how allyship can support those with non-apparent disabilities.

At the event, disability campaigner and social media influencer Celia Chartres-Aris will share her lived-experience and how we can show allyship through the globally-recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

There will also be the chance to hear from legal organisations who have adopted the Sunflower and from Hidden Disabilities themselves.

There will be a call on others across the legal sector to adopt the Sunflower and see how we can amplify the power of allyship.

Agenda:

• 6pm arrival
• 6.30pm keynote and panel: the Power of Allyship and the Sunflower
• 7.30pm reception with festive music from the Clifford Chance Choir
• 8pm networking
• 9pm close

Food and drink will be provided on arrival and between 7.30pm and 9pm.