Residents and businesses are being encouraged to show their support for Disability Pride Month.

Congleton Town Council, in collaboration with its Equal Access Advisory Group, will be running a social media campaign throughout July, highlighting facts about disabled people, the challenges they face and the contributions they make.

An estimated 7,000 people in Congleton have some kind of access need, with a survey conducted last year revealing that 87% of disabled people experience problems with shopping in the town centre while only 10% felt town centre events were 'very accessible'.

Since then, the council has introduced a Disability Welcome Scheme for shops and cafés and an Accessible Events Guide which has been used by all the major town centre events such as Congleton Jazz & Blues, the Christmas Lights switch-on and the Food & Drink Festival.

Dr Deborah Lawson, chair of the Equal Access Advisory Group, explained: "The Social Model of Disability reminds us that it is the environment, not a person's impairment, that disables individuals and prevents them from fully taking part in daily life.

"Barriers can be physical, such as steps or narrow doorways, and can also come from assumptions and attitudes.

"Removing these barriers creates a more inclusive and accessible society, giving disabled people greater independence, choice, and control. Disability Pride Month is the perfect time to turn that awareness into action."

ALSO READ: Inclusive businesses celebrated with Congleton's first Disability Welcome awards

The council has taken several steps to address concerns highlighted by a survey conducted last year (Credit: CTC)

Dr Lawson added: "As a disabled person, I know how exhausting it can be to navigate the barriers we face every day.

"Even a simple trip to the shops can feel daunting, thinking about how to get there, where to park, and how to access the building or deal with obstacles once inside.

"We're fortunate in Congleton to have many exceptional residents and businesses who genuinely want to help, and who often ask what they can do.

"If you want to make a difference, I encourage you to be an ally: notice the challenges, listen to the voices of people with disabilities, and work with us to remove the barriers.

"Together we can ensure Congleton is a town where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive."

Dr Lawson has published a Disability Awareness Guide, available on the Congleton Town Council website.

It aims to educate people about disability-related issues, how to use inclusive language, the correct etiquette when interacting with disabled people, and much more.

Dr Lawson is releasing her debut children's book during Disability Pride Month (Credit: Deborah Lawson)

Congleton Pride, which takes place on July 19, has worked with the Equal Access Group to ensure the event is as accessible as possible, and a page of accessibility information will be available on its website and in the Pride Guide.

Meanwhile, the first of this summer's town centre Play Days, on July 29, will include fun, disability-themed activities for children.

These will feature colouring sheets as part of a free competition to win a signed children's book that helps children explore kindness and accepting people for who they are. Every child who takes part will also receive a bookmark.

Councillor Kay Wesley, who chairs the Community Committee and works with the Equal Access Advisory Group, said: "Many thanks to the event organisers who have made the effort to improve accessibility and the shops and businesses that have taken part in the Disability Welcome scheme so far. 

"In many cases, just a small adjustment can make a huge difference and allow disabled people to take part, do their shopping or enjoy an event just like everyone else.

"I hope all our shops who haven't yet done so will celebrate Disability Pride Month by joining our Disability Welcome Scheme, and perhaps local businesses would like to join the national Disability Confident Employer scheme.

"Meanwhile, our residents may wish to take a look at the Disability Awareness Guide and do their bit to help us make Congleton as inclusive and accessible as possible. Thank you."