UK Disability History Month 2024

Over the last 35 years the UK, in response to the Disability Movement, the Trade Union Movement and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) now the Equality Act 2010, has completely transformed its response to disability in the workplace.

In times of war when non-disabled men have gone to fight, more Disabled workers were recruited in 1914–18 and 1939–45. This has led to Disabled workers being part of the reserve army of labour. In the past, heavy industry like mining, steel-making and construction have had a high rate of accidents leading to more Disabled workers. Depending on organised labour’s strength some have been able to accommodate these workers on light duties. This was particularly true in mining areas where the Unions and the local community facilitated the welfare of Disabled miners and their families. Long before the Welfare State.

Many people know of the National League for the Blind 1920 three-way march on London for a decent wage and conditions for Blind workers. Far fewer know of the long history of their struggle with many local strikes over the previous 30 years.

The idea that Disabled people in the 19th Century were increasingly locked away in asylums, the workhouse and long stay hospitals is only partly true and is being challenged:
“Disabled people have always been at the heart of British economic and labour history, but their contributions in the workplace often go unrecognised. Once the Industrial Revolution got underway in the late eighteenth century, the narrative that Disabled people were unable to work and instead depended on the workhouse or on charity took hold; a myth that persists to this day. But this stereotype is not historically accurate,” Gill Crawshaw.

All students, pupils and adults in the community or work can learn about this history and draw strength from the right to not be discriminated and have reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

More information and resources can be found on the UK Disability History Month website.