An inspiring voice for change, children’s author and disability advocate Gavin Clifton recently took centre stage at The Senedd in Cardiff, sharing his deeply personal journey and passionately championing the rights of the disabled community during the pivotal launch of Disability Pride Month.

Clifton, a resident of Pentwynmawr, born with cerebral palsy and a significant speech impairment, stood as a prominent guest speaker and performer at Scope’s ‘Celebration of Disability Pride Month 2025.’ This landmark event, meticulously organized by the disability equality charity, served as a powerful platform for awareness and advocacy within Wales.

Known professionally as ‘The Disabled Writer,’ the 43-year-old author, speaker, and songwriter conveyed the profound significance of the occasion, stating, “It’s a tremendous honour, not just for me personally, but for what it represents.” His words resonated deeply, underscoring the collective voice of the disabled community.

He further elaborated on the event’s crucial role, emphasizing that it functions as a vital platform for advocacy and awareness. Clifton highlighted its importance as an opportunity to reflect on past challenges, courageously challenge existing societal barriers, and wholeheartedly celebrate what it genuinely means to be disabled and proud in contemporary Wales, fostering an truly inclusive society.

Disability Pride Month itself originated as a grassroots movement in Boston, USA, back in 1990. Initially conceived as a single day of joyous celebration, it steadily grew in recognition and scope, evolving into a month-long observance now marked with increasing prominence across the globe, amplifying the call for accessibility and human rights.

Mark Isherwood, MS and chairman of the Senedd’s cross-party group on disability, served as the event’s sponsor and articulated the dual nature of Disability Pride Month. He stressed that while the month is undeniably vibrant, joyful, unapologetic, and inclusive, it also serves as a critical call to action, demanding tangible progress.

Isherwood passionately asserted that “pride isn’t just about celebration—it’s about change.” This sentiment encapsulates the core mission: to actively remove persistent barriers, fundamentally transform outdated attitudes, and diligently work towards cultivating a society where disabled people can not only exist but truly thrive, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The collaborative efforts and powerful narratives shared at The Senedd underscored a collective commitment to advancing disability rights and fostering a genuinely equitable future where diversity is celebrated and accessibility is paramount, driving forward the conversation about disability awareness in Wales.