Disability History Month 2026
UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual established in 2010 to promote equality, human rights, and the history of the disabled community.
This year it runs from 19th November 2026 to 19th December 2026 and is supported by a wide range of disability groups, unions and voluntary organisations, and aims to promote disabled people’s rights and their struggle for equality now and in the past.
If you looking to hold an event to mark the UKDHM these are few speakers we work with you may like to consider.
Anne Wafula Strike, MBE PLY, is an inspirational and motivational speaker on overcoming adversity, diversity, inclusion and disability awareness. Born in Mihu, Kenya, to Nekesa Ruth and Athumani Wafula, Anne was a fit and healthy child before polio struck when she was two years old. She was given the middle name of Olympia at birth, a title of prophetic significance for the future and prescient of hurdles she would face in forthcoming years.
After completing A-levels and graduating from Moi University with a Bachelor of Education degree, Anne taught at Machakos Technical College in Kenya before meeting the man she would marry – which lead her to Britain, motherhood, wheelchair racing, disability advocacy and charity work.
Charity work is something she does tirelessly, and as well as giving her time to a wide variety of charitable organisations she set up the charity, The Olympia–Wafula Foundation, whose main aim is to empower the differently-abled (disabled) people in the developing world
Catarina Rivera is a dynamic public speaker, DEIA consultant, and content creator. She works with companies to improve disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. As a disabled Latiné woman, she is passionate about sharing her own unique story to help build a more inclusive world.
Catarina Rivera grew up in a Cuban and Puerto Rican family, and Spanish was her first language. She learned the value of diversity from her family. She also developed a passion for making the world a better place. As a young child, she began wearing hearing aids. At 17, she was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, which includes a progressive vision disability. Currently, she has about 5% of her vision remaining.
While her disability was difficult for her in the past, she has now developed disability pride and is empowered by sharing her story. In 2020, Catarina founded Blindish Latina, a platform smashing disability stigmas. She launched a business as a public speaker and DEIA consultant focused on disability inclusion in the workplace. She has been featured in Nasdaq, Authority Magazine, Forbes, and POPSUGAR. She was also named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy
Michael McGrath is an inspirational speaker on resilience, leadership, disability awareness and diversity and inclusion
At just 18yrs, Michael was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy (MD), a degenerative muscle wasting disease. Nineteen years later, Michael made history by becoming the first disabled person to lead expeditions to both the North (April 2002) and the South Poles (Jan 2004).
Michael’s adopted life credo ‘Quant Je Puis’, meaning ‘As Much As I Can’, provides the fuel for a rare speaker who takes enormous pride in listening and interpreting client requirements, enabling bespoke presentations to be carefully crafted. Often as a keynote speaker, Michael’s story is laced with powerful learning’s and anecdotes drawn through the lens of his life, a journey of discovery and acceptance in not only facing his own adversities but also sharing compelling lessons and insights from his polar achievements.
Winston Ben Clements is a globally recognised motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, and disability advocate known for delivering powerful keynotes on disability inclusion, resilience, and using AI for accessibility.
With a previous career in the tech industry, he now partners with organisations such as Google, Accenture, Disney, EY, and HubSpot, among others, to help build workplaces where people can thrive.
Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare condition often called brittle bone disease, Winston has experienced more than 200 fractures and uses a powerchair for mobility. His journey, from childhood surgeries to speaking on global stages, has been featured by BBC, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Channel 4, to name a few
Shaun Flores is a British-Trinidadian inspirational speaker, consultant, and changemaker redefining how we talk about mental health, masculinity, neurodiversity, and redemption culture. A five-time TEDx speaker and former model turned mental health advocate, Shaun has become one of the UK’s most authentic voices on OCD awareness, inclusive education, neurodiversity and male vulnerability.
His story from the fashion runways of London to recovery after an OCD and ADHD diagnosis has inspired thousands to find strength in their own stories. Shaun’s work blends psychological insight, lived experience, and cultural intelligence to help people and organisations move from awareness to action.
Through his programmes, The Flores Effect™ and Rejection Rehab™, Shaun has trained and inspired audiences across universities, NHS Trusts, and global brands, helping them build resilience, empathy, and inclusive communication skills. His sessions are known for their emotional honesty, research-based storytelling, and transformative takeaways that empower people to speak, lead, and live with courage.
These are just a few speakers we work with but if you are looking for a speaker to mark Disability History Month please do contact us on enquiries@scampspeakers.co.uk