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Image: UK Government, illustrated by Ananya Rao-Middleton
The UK Parliament is launching a new pack of educational resources to mark Disability History Month which runs until 20th December.
The new resources are illustrated by Ananya Rao-Middleton and comes in the form or a downloadable book featuring stories that explore the lives of people who have influenced disability laws and rights in the UK. The resources have been created so that they are suitable for parents, educators and parents to share with children up to the age of eleven.
Speaking to reporters about the launch, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “I am so pleased that parliament is marking Disability History Month this year. These innovative resources are a brilliant way for young people to learn about and celebrate the valuable contributions of people who have impacted disability rights and laws in the UK. It is important that we not only recognise these achievements, but also strive to make parliament a more inclusive and accessible space for those with disabilities.”
The book features several important people throughout history, including Dame Anne Begg, one of the first wheelchair users in the House of Commons, Ben Purse, whose activism led to the first law in the world to support the working rights of people with disabilities, Deborah Williams, Lord Alf Morris, Baroness Jane Campbell and disabled suffragette, Rosa May Billinghurst. Their stories are complimented by interactive activities that will encourage children to be more inclusive in their day to day lives.
Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said: “Marking disability History Month at parliament helps us remember how far we’ve come and how far we’ve still got to go with equal rights for disabled people. I am proud that Baroness Jane Campbell of Surbiton, who serves in the House of lords today is featured in this brilliant new pack. I hope these stories will be an inspiration to young people who want to fight for change.”
The book’s illustrator, Ananya Rao-Middleton said: “As an illustrator and chronic illness activist, working with parliament on the Your Story, Our History book has enabled me to delve into the exciting, varied and powerful lives of UK figures who have stood out in making a difference in the lives of disabled people. As someone living with chronic conditions myself, working on this book has fortified my belief that change is possible and that as disabled people, we are powerful and capable of being change makers. Whilst we still have a lot of work to do to make our society disability-friendly in all areas, I feel determined that by inspiring young people with books like Your Story, Our History, we can create the changes needed to reach this vision.”
Your Story, Our History is the latest in a series of education resources launched by Parliament, previously, a similar resource was released for Black History Month, while resources are being developed on LGBTQA+ and Women’s History.
