30/07/2025
Each colour on the Disability Pride Flag represents a different type of disability, and together they form a powerful symbol of unity, diversity, and strength within the disabled community. These colours aren’t just design choices, they reflect real experiences, struggles, and identities that are often overlooked. From physical and sensory disabilities to psychiatric conditions, neurodivergence, and invisible or undiagnosed disabilities, every stripe tells a story. Taking time to understand what each colour stands for allows us to better support, include, and advocate for the full spectrum of disabled individuals.
Image ID 1: A clean, off-white background features the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation logo at the top in green. Beneath the logo, bold green text reads: “What the Colours Mean: Understanding the Disability Pride Flag.” Below the title is an image of the Disability Pride Flag, which has a dark grey background and five diagonal stripes: red, gold, white, blue, and green, each representing a different type of disability experience.
Image ID 2: Across the top, red text reads: “Red – Physical Disabilities.” Below is a large red square with white text inside that reads: “The red stripe represents people with physical disabilities, including mobility impairments, chronic illnesses, and conditions that affect how the body moves or functions. This includes full-time and ambulatory wheelchair users, those with muscular or skeletal conditions, and people who experience chronic pain. The stripe honours the resilience and strength it takes to navigate a world that is still often inaccessible.”
Image ID 3: At the top, gold text reads: “Gold – Neurodivergence.” Below is a large gold square with white text inside that reads: “The gold stripe symbolizes neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other cognitive differences. It celebrates diverse ways of thinking and processing the world, reminding us that neurodivergence is not a flaw, but a vital part of human diversity. Neurodivergent voices are key to reshaping systems and promoting inclusion.”
Image ID 4: Black text across the top reads: “White – Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities.” Below is a white square with black or dark text inside that reads: “The white stripe stands for people with invisible or undiagnosed disabilities. These include conditions like fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, migraines, and many others that may not be immediately apparent to others. This stripe also represents those still seeking answers or facing disbelief because their disability isn’t visible or formally recognized.”
Image ID 5: At the top, blue text reads: “Blue – Psychiatric Disabilities.” Below is a large blue square with white text inside that reads: “The blue stripe represents individuals with psychiatric or mental health disabilities, such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It shines a light on the emotional and psychological struggles that are often stigmatized or misunderstood, and emphasizes the importance of mental health care and acceptance.”
Image ID 6: Green text across the top reads: “Green – Sensory Disabilities.” Below is a green square with white text inside that reads: “The green stripe is for people with sensory disabilities, including those who are blind, low vision, Deaf, hard of hearing, or have sensory processing disorders. These communities have long fought for access, communication rights, and recognition. This stripe honours the diverse ways people experience the world through sound, sight, and touch.”
Image ID 7: Grey text across the top reads: “Grey – Mourning and Resistance.” Below is a large grey square with white text inside that reads: “The grey background represents mourning for those who have lost their lives due to ableist violence, neglect, su***de, or medical discrimination. It also symbolizes protest—against mistreatment, abuse, and systemic injustice. Living with a disability, especially in an inaccessible and often ableist world, can take a serious mental toll. One of the most impactful things people can do is listen, believe, advocate for accessibility, and treat disabled people with dignity and respect.”
