A bridge over the canal in King’s Cross with purple lamps to mark UKDHM

THERE are certain celebrations that have become mainstays of the calendar and beautifully entrenched in the national psyche – from Pride to Black History Month.

But it could be argued that UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) does not get the headlines it deserves. If we are honest our own papers, the Camden New Journal and the Islington Tribune, have been slow to mark it in the past but this week we aim to start putting that right with this special feature.

We have of course championed causes and campaigns for many years – there are too many injustices to list – but every organisation in Camden, Islington and beyond should join in and help make November 16 to December 16 an important time in the diary.

Yes, people will have been rushing around for Christmas and worrying about shopping and family get-togethers.

But the fight for disabled rights and recognition is too important to let slip by. In this week’s issue, then, we talk to people who have overcome adversity and have been part of efforts to make life better for those with disabilities.

As people often say about Black History Month, this is not an issue that should just be thought about for four weeks a year and we commit to reporting on the challenges and hurdles that need to be overcome throughout the year.

But this period does give us a chance to really focus on those who are making a difference and their ambition for the future.

Congratulations must go to Richard Reiser, a campaigner from Islington who has been such an important advocate and organiser as UKDHM grows. He explains its importance in his own words in the following pages. We must also thank all those who were interviewed for the supplement and sharing their thoughts.

It’s not always easy to talk about the struggles people face.

And thank you to this special feature’s sponsors. With their help we have been able to clear these pages of normal advertising to create as much space as possible. We would not be able to do such projects without them. It will not be a one off, though.

UK Disability History Month should be in all our diaries – and as November comes around each year we’ll do our best to make sure