Disabled Pride Month - Building an Inclusive Rescue Community
A Guest Blog By A DDAA Volunteer
Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month—a time to honour the contributions, identities, and rights of people living with disabilities.
Compassion and inclusion are at the heart of everything Dog Desk Animal Action does, and we believe that every being—human or animal—deserves love, dignity, and the chance to thrive.
Why Disability Pride Month Matters to Us
Our founding director, Michelle, is not just the heart and soul of DDAA, but also a true embodiment of resilience and determination. Despite facing profound and chronic disabilities, she tackles serious barriers each day with unwavering strength.
In a world where perceptions often hinder progress, her approach to her disability stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment. She embraces her condition not as a limitation, but as an evolution of her identity. This perspective not only redefines her self-image but also challenges societal norms that tend to undervalue individuals with disabilities. By rejecting the notion that she is diminished by her condition, she paves the way for a narrative of strength and self-acceptance. Her journey is a testament to the power of mindset, showing that true acceptance comes from within and that external judgments hold no sway over one's self-worth. Through her actions and outlook, she inspires others to see beyond limitations and to celebrate the unique versions of themselves.
Her mantra, "we will find a way," reflects her relentless pursuit to overcome any obstacle. Michelle's journey is a beacon of inspiration, showing us all the power of believing in oneself and the impact one person’s determination can have on an entire community. In her case, the lives of thousands of vulnerable animals.
Embracing Difference—In All Its Forms
In rescue work, we learn every day that what makes someone different can also be what makes them extraordinary. A dog missing a leg doesn’t love any less. A senior dog with arthritis still has so much joy to give. And a person who uses a wheelchair or lives with chronic pain can be a phenomenal foster parent, volunteer, or advocate. A disability does not make any being less than.
The bond between people and rescue dogs is powerful. For members of the disabled community, that bond can be deeply healing & confidence building when needed—built on mutual understanding, care, and resilience.
Building an Inclusive Rescue Community
Here’s how we aim to support and celebrate the disabled community—not just during Disability Pride Month, but all year long:
Accessible Volunteering: We’re always working to make our volunteer roles more inclusive, whether it's remote opportunities, flexible hours, or matching people with tasks that suit their strengths.
Inclusive Adoption Practices: We believe that a person’s disability should never be seen as a barrier to adoption. What matters most is the love and care they offer.
Celebrating Disabled Advocates: Many amazing advocates for animal welfare also identify as disabled. We’re proud to amplify their voices and stories.
Rescuing Dogs With Disabilities: We don’t shy away from dogs who need a little extra care—deaf dogs, blind dogs, dogs with mobility issues—and we’re inspired every day by the people who step up to love them.
Final Thoughts
At the core of both disability pride and rescue work is the belief that every life has value—not because it fits a mould, but because it doesn't. Whether you're a person or a pup, there's strength in being different, and pride in being exactly who you are.
This Disability Pride Month, let's honour that truth together—with open hearts and open minds.
