Disability Pride Month 2026

Tue 07/07/2026

Celebrating Disability Pride Month at Sutton Cultural Services

 

Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the identities, achievements and contributions of disabled people while recognising the importance of creating a more inclusive society. It is an opportunity to challenge barriers, celebrate diversity and highlight the value of accessibility, representation and equal opportunities for everyone.

 

At Sutton Cultural Services, we’re committed to making our libraries, museums and cultural spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Through inclusive events, specialist resources and partnerships with local organisations, we work throughout the year to support disabled residents, their families and carers.

 

Inclusive Events & Supportive Groups

 

Regular Events

 

  • Mencap Job Club: Held every Thursday at Sutton Central Library, this supportive session helps adults with learning disabilities gain vital employability skills, from writing CVs to job searching, in a friendly, encouraging environment.
  • VIP (Visually Impaired) Reading Group: Our popular reading group for adults with visual impairments offers a chance to enjoy audiobooks together and share reading experiences in a social, accessible setting.

 

 

Special Events

 

  • Sensory Room Sessions: Families of children with SEND can also access the Sensory Room at the Carshalton Family Hub. These 45-minute bookable sessions provide exclusive use of a calm, low-stimulation space featuring gentle lighting, soothing sounds and interactive sensory equipment. Designed to support emotional regulation, confidence and sensory exploration, the room offers a safe and welcoming environment where children can relax, play and engage at their own pace. Advance booking is required, with one session per week available for each family to help ensure access for everyone.
  • We regularly run special events created with SEND children and adults in mind. Check out the SEND section on our events platform to see what’s coming up!

 

Collaborations That Make a Difference

 

We work in partnership with organisations such as Nickel Support and Playwise to create meaningful opportunities for adults and children with additional needs. These collaborations enrich our activities and help us provide better support for families across the borough.

 

  • Beans & Bloom: A vibrant café run by Nickel Support at Whitehall Historic House. This inspiring project gives adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and independence through real café experience. With over 1,200 coffees served this year and 15 fantastic trainees, it’s a true community hub full of warmth and purpose. We are honoured to work alongside Nickel Support to help this wonderful initiative grow and thrive.
  • Playwise: Playwise offers parents and carers of young disabled children—and the professionals that support them—a wide range of services. This helps reduce the impact of disability and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and supports families on their journey. Playwise offers new, innovative, and bespoke interventions either at home, in our community hub in Sutton, or in the child’s own learning setting. Playwise supports children aged 0–8 years.
  • Sutton Information Hub: Sutton Information Hub is a trusted online resource that connects residents with local services, support and community opportunities across the borough. Whether you’re looking for SEND services, disability support groups, accessible activities or advice for families and carers, the Hub makes it easy to find the right information in one place. With a regularly updated directory of organisations, events and local support, it’s a valuable tool for discovering what’s available in Sutton and helping people access the services that best meet their needs.

 

Resources That Empower

 

  • eBooks for Everyone: We offer two curated accessible eBook collections:
  • These feature inclusive stories, diverse characters, and disability representation. Whether you’re looking for fiction, biography, or informative reads, our digital shelves are always open.

 

You can explore the collections via the Libby and BorrowBox apps, which include:

  • Adjustable font size
  • Dyslexia-friendly font
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Dark mode and high-contrast options

 

Watch this video to learn how to access the accessibility features on Libby, BorrowBox and Pressreader: Watch Accessibility Video.

 

In-Branch Accessibility

 

  • All libraries offer large print books and audiobooks on CDs.
  • Reading Well Collection: Available in all branches, this collection includes books recommended by health experts and people with lived experience. It offers guidance and stories on mental health, long-term conditions, dementia, and neurodiversity. The collection is free to borrow and no medical referral is needed.

 

Check out our Accessibility guide for more information on access arrangements for our libraries.

 

Video Resources

 

Transforming Spaces for SEND Learners

 

Sutton Life Centre has been developed into a Preparation for Adulthood Hub run in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton. As well as being a college centre, the hub will provide activities, services, information, and employment support for young people with SEND in the local area. Sutton Life Centre is also home to the community library, café, and sports facilities. For more information visit the Sutton Information Hub’s page on preparing for adulthood.

 

Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate disabled people and recognise the importance of creating communities where everyone can participate, contribute and thrive. Sutton Libraries is proud to support that vision throughout the year by providing inclusive spaces, accessible services and opportunities for everyone to connect, learn and belong.