Celebrate Disability Pride Month in Leeds

The disabled actress, theatre director, charity shop volunteer and star of ITV series, Gone, and will speak at Scope’s Community Hub as they celebrate the awareness drive.

Lara, who volunteers at Scope in Kirkgate, said: “I’m so excited to be a guest speaker Scope’s Disability Pride Month event.

"I’m really proud of who I am, advocating for what I need and owning it. Although this is something I still struggle with at times.

“Many disabled people feel ashamed or, like they’re a burden because of their disability. However, we should celebrate ourselves as it’s part of our DNA. Every single person in the world is unique, it would be boring if we are all the same.

“I also hope disability pride month will help increase further understanding of disabilities and make people and organisations think about how to remove barriers many face on a daily basis." 

Disability Pride Month often gets confused with Pride Month and many people think that it’s exclusively for the disabled LGBTQ+ community.

The month is for every disabled person and allies to join in. It began in Boston, USA in 1990 as a grassroots movement and has since spread internationally. Every July, disabled people around the world unite to celebrate their identities.

Declan Jenkinson, Co-Captain of Leeds Rhinos LDSL team, will kick off the event welcoming guests, with Jenny Robinson, Leeds Rhinos  LDSL Coach.

There will be craft workshops to make badges and hear and write poetry.

In addition to Lara, guest speakers include Adnan Tariq and Shanice Thompson-Besser of Barca Leeds and Sidney Tambin of Inclusophy. Guest can also relax and meet like-minded people.

Lara added: "Sometimes the smallest adjustments like a bigger font size or clearing an easy path can make a big difference whilst working on set/stage. Everyone deserves to thrive.

“I should know how those adjustments make all the difference. Last year in March, I was offered the role of Freya Sedgwick, the older sister of Dylan Sedgwick (played by Billy Barratt) in the ITV series, Gone. I can’t tell you how excited I was.

“During the filming of Gone, in Bristol, the entire cast and crew from New Pictures and Observatory Pictures association with All3Media International, were brilliant. 

“I have Cerebral Palsy and I am an ambulatory wheelchair user, so I often need assistance with access. To ensure I was safe, comfortable and confident on the set, the production team organised an Access Coordinator, Jo Sargent, for me. The Director, Richard Laxton, was also exceptionally kind and took the time to talk to me about my character and wanted me to have a positive experience whilst filming. Which I certainly did.

“What I really liked about playing the part is, that my disability was not the focus of the story. You could see my wheelchair in a shot but that was it. It reflects real life as disabled people aren't defined by their disability.

“There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, that’s one in four of us, so disability representation is vital. It helps to break down barriers, transform negative attitudes and it helps the viewers to gain a great understanding to the lives, talent and potential of disabled people. I think that episode of Gone, did just that.

“In the past, I thought if I called myself a ‘disabled actor’ people wouldn’t want to work with me. But it’s important, it’s part of my identity.

“I still do two days volunteering a week at Scope in Kirkgate. I started just after they opened in 2024, after graduating from drama school. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I got the experience of being in a working environment and have learned so many skills and importantly, my confidence has really grown. The best part though, is working with such a wonderful and supportive team. That’s what keeps me volunteering. 

“I would love to get more TV work, but I know acting is a hard industry to be in and you need to have a thick skin, for the rejections you’ll get. But my experience with Gone, made up for those rejections.”

Declan Jenkinson, Captain, Leeds Rhinos LDSL team, and Leaning Disability Ambassador, said: “It’s a massive honour for myself and my partner, Jenny, to be opening the Disability Pride Month event at Scope’s Community Leeds Hub on 22 July. 

"I’ve never experienced anything like this before. To be part of something that represents disabled people and puts inclusion in the spotlight, is an amazing thing for me to do.” 

Jenny Robinson, Rugby Coach, Leeds Rhinos LDSL team, said: “I’m excited to be part of this amazing day.

"We’ll show people that whatever your disability, you can achieve your dreams. I’m a rugby coach and play in a band, so I’d love to speak to anyone who wants to try those things. I hope that, by speaking with my partner, Declan, we can show what’s possible.

“The Disability Pride Month event will be empowering and uplifting. We all have different disabilities, but we are equal. You’ll feel part of a family, not an outsider, and I hope you can join us.”

Bethany McGarry-Golding, Community Programme Lead, at disability equality charity Scope, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Declan, Jenny, Lara and others have agreed to be our guest speakers.

"They’ll be sharing their lived experiences and will tell us why they believe it’s so important to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Each of them will bring their unique story.

“I’d like to thank the players of the Postcode Lottery.

"Their support means our Leeds Community Hub is a place where disabled people are welcomed, supported and celebrated.

“I know there’s a lot of confusion about who this month is for. I want to let people know that the Disability Pride Month is for every disabled person and allies to join in.

"I know there will be some from this community who identify both as disabled and LGBTQ+. Everyone is welcome to celebrate and enjoy July.

 “We’d love you to join us on 22 July at the Scope Leeds Hub, 3 Brewery Wharf, between 11am and 2pm. You can book your free ticket on Eventbrite.”