Why We Should Celebrate Our Differences: A Path to a More Inclusive World

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We live in a beautifully diverse world where no two people are alike. Differences are all around us, whether it’s in how we speak, how we look, or how we experience life. But how do we respond to these differences? Some embrace them with curiosity and kindness, while others hesitate, unsure of how to react. As we approach International Day of Disabled Persons on 3rd December 2025, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the importance of embracing differences, not just to be polite, but as a necessary step toward building a more inclusive world. For me, living with cerebral palsy has shown me the transformative power of acceptance and how much better the world is when we welcome all kinds of differences.

Personal Reflection

There have been many moments in my life when I’ve felt the weight of people’s judgments before they’ve even spoken to me. Take, for example, one of my earlier speaking engagements. As I stood at the front of the room, ready to deliver my talk, I noticed a few puzzled glances as I prepared my AAC device to help me communicate. Some of the audience members clearly weren’t sure how to react, and I could feel their uncertainty. They were used to speakers who stood up and spoke, and here I was, using technology in a way that wasn’t familiar to them.

But as I began to share my story and talk about the challenges and triumphs of living with cerebral palsy, I watched those puzzled expressions soften and change to embracing smiles and laughter. When I reached the end, people were nodding, cheekily laughing and fully engaged. What changed was their willingness to accept something different from the norm. That shift from hesitation to acceptance was powerful, not just for them but for me, too. It reinforced my belief that embracing differences opens doors to connection, learning, and growth. This was a notion of acceptance for me.

The Power of Acceptance

One of the most rewarding parts of my work as an author and motivational speaker is seeing people’s perspectives shift as they learn about disability. Whether speaking to a group of children in a classroom or a room full of professionals, the message is always the same: Embrace different and choose acceptance and understanding over judgement. We’re all different in one way or another, and those differences are what make life interesting. I’ve found that once people move past their initial uncertainties and start engaging with the person in front of them, all barriers come down, one step at a time, and meaningful conversations begin. It just takes a bit of persuasive education.

In schools, I’ve seen children’s eyes light up as they start to understand that it’s okay to be different. In professional spaces such as our workplaces and retail and hospitality venues, I’ve had people tell me they hadn’t considered how small changes like accessible meeting spaces or a bit of patience during conversations could make a massive difference for disabled people. In its simplest form, acceptance is recognising that everyone has something valuable to offer, no matter how they communicate, move, or experience the world.

A Call for Inclusivity

On International Day of Disabled Persons, there’s no better time to think about how we can all make a difference in our daily lives. Inclusion isn’t about grand gestures but our small, everyday choices to ensure everyone feels valued. Here are some practical ways to embrace differences and create a more inclusive environment:

Inclusivity starts with recognising that differences don’t separate us; they bring us together. By embracing these differences, we create communities where everyone has the chance to contribute, grow, and thrive.

Take a moment to think about how you can embrace differences in your own life. What can you do today to make someone feel more included? Sometimes, it’s as simple as waving or smiling at someone who looks unsure or asking how you can make a space more accessible for everyone. Inclusion is not just about being kind; it’s about actively choosing to see the value in everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever been in a situation where embracing differences positively impacted you? Or have you felt misunderstood because of something that set you apart? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your story might inspire someone else to take a step towards inclusivity.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with others. Let’s spread the message that differences are to be embraced, not avoided. You can also join the conversation on social media using #EmbraceDifferences and #IDPWD2025. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone is valued.

Disability History Month: Embracing Difference, Challenging Stereotypes, and Celebrating Resilience

Disability History Month, Why It Matters

Disability History Month is a time to reflect on the experiences, stories, struggles, and victories of disabled people throughout history. Each story, including mine, is a testament to the incredible resilience that is a hallmark of the disabled community. It's a celebration of the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges. Every November to December, Disability History Month challenges negative and ableist attitudes towards disability and advocates for more equal and inclusive policies. This year, let’s explore what it truly means to embrace difference, choose acceptance and understanding over judgment, and challenge societal barriers.

Gavin Clifton The Disabled Writer, sat with a collection of his Childrens books and his autobiography
Gavin Clifton The Disabled Writer

My Journey with Cerebral Palsy: Defying Expectations and Smashing Down Barriers

I was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects my movement, muscle tone, and speech. From a young age, I have faced physical and social challenges that shaped my understanding of resilience and developed a stubborn, never-give-up attitude which never wavers. My parents fought hard for me to be educated in a mainstream school, which laid the foundations for my independence and social confidence, which hasn’t always been easy. Still, living with cerebral palsy has required me to adapt and navigate a world not always designed for disabled people.

My story isn’t about overcoming physical limitations; it’s about challenging misconceptions, especially the ones around my speech, capabilities and intelligence. This fits into the message of Disability History Month, which emphasises the Social Model of Disability. According to this model, it’s not our impairments but the societal and stereotypical barriers that ‘disable’ people. By removing these physical or attitudinal barriers, society can become more inclusive for everyone.

Cold Weather Challenges: Raising Awareness on Seasonal Struggles

As I have written in a previous blog and have explained on TikTok, the colder months bring unique challenges for disabled people, particularly those with cerebral palsy. Cold weather often worsens muscle stiffness and impacts balance, leading to heightened risks of falls and injuries. During these times, even daily tasks become more complex, and people with cerebral palsy need to adjust their routines to accommodate extended routine timings.

Disability History Month encourages empathy and awareness of more complex daily challenges, particularly affecting disabled people’s ability to participate in work and social settings. This seasonal perspective is an opportunity to increase education and understanding about how diverse disabilities are impacted by physical environments, which is crucial in developing accessible venues and spaces and in advocating for more inclusive policies.

The Role of AAC in My Life: Empowering Communication and Independence

For those who find verbally communicating challenging, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has been transformative and life changing. From early experiences with bulky devices to today’s more flexible and accessible technology, AAC has empowered me to communicate more effectively in both professional and social settings. This technology is not just a tool; it’s a lifeline that allows me to advocate for myself and connect with others, whether it's within the disability community or beyond. The role of technology in empowering communication for people with disabilities is a significant aspect of the disability rights movement, as it demonstrates the power of innovation in creating more inclusive societies.

Understanding and embracing diverse communication methods is imperative to building an inclusive society. By broadening our concept of communication, we create spaces where everyone can participate fully, regardless of their abilities.

The Legacy of Disability Rights in the UK: Recognising Progress

Disability History Month also reminds us of the legislative and societal progress in disability rights. Still, we have a long way to go until we become a fully accessible and inclusive society. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 was a landmark moment, as it was the first piece of UK legislation to protect disabled people from discrimination in employment, education, and services. This Act was later incorporated into The Equality Act 2010, providing even more comprehensive protections for disabled people. These legal advancements are milestones, pushing society towards the accessibility and inclusivity we advocate for today.

Celebrating Disabled Voices: Contributions in Culture, Arts, and Beyond

Throughout Disability History Month, we celebrate the cultural contributions of disabled individuals across fields such as literature, music, sports, and the arts. People like Stephen Hawking, who showed the world how intelligence and creativity could flourish despite his disabilities, and RJ Mitte, an actor with cerebral palsy who uses his platform to advocate for better representation and inclusion in the media, have left a lasting mark within the disability community and on our culture. Celebrating these voices helps broaden society’s perception of what disabled people CAN achieve.

Education and Awareness: Building Inclusive Foundations

Disability Awareness Month also strongly emphasises educating people about the lives and contributions of disabled people. Schools and educational organisations are continually encouraged to integrate disability awareness into their curriculums, helping reduce stigma from an early age. I firmly believe in advocating for disability awareness to be permanently installed into the national curriculum. I will continue my awareness surrounding this issue for as long as it takes. By learning about the experiences and achievements of disabled people, young students gain empathy and understanding, which are essential for building towards an inclusive future.

Moving Forward with Empathy and Understanding

Disability History Month offers an important and unique chance to deepen our understanding of what it means to live with disabilities like mine. However, awareness alone is not enough. Let’s use this month to inspire a continuous call to action that challenges us to make meaningful changes in our daily lives, communities, and workplaces. Let's not just stop at awareness but commit to making real, tangible changes that promote accessibility and inclusion.

Let’s go beyond words and actively promote accessibility and inclusion. Start conversations about accessibility, particularly in our workplaces and retail spaces, and advocate for representation in our media. When interacting with someone with a disability, practise patience, understanding, and open-mindedness. Genuine inclusivity happens when we make reasonable adjustments in everyday life, not just in special observances, as a token gesture. I encourage you to take concrete actions to promote accessibility and inclusion, whether advocating for better accessibility in your workplace or supporting media that accurately represents people with disabilities.

To gain more insight into the realities of living with cerebral palsy. I invite you to read my autobiography, Cerebral Palsy And Me. In it, I share my personal journey, the challenges, the triumphs, and the profound lessons I’ve learned along the way. You’ll also find my children’s books, which I wrote to educate and inspire young readers and parents of disabled children to embrace their differences and see value in each person’s unique abilities. My books are crafted from lived experiences, with heartfelt messages of hope, disability awareness, acceptance and resilience.

Together, let’s build a future where everyone can participate fully and live without limits, regardless of ability. Embrace differences and choose understanding over judgment, not just this month but daily.

Welcome to The Disabled Writer’s Blog: One Journey, One Mission!


My name is Gavin Clifton, and I’m excited to have you join me here! I created this blog as a personal journey, a safe place for not only people within the disabled community but for everyone who wishes to join me on my mission of sharing my experiences of living with cerebral palsy, overcoming challenges, and spreading the message of hope, especially to parents of disabled children.


Who Am I?
I was born with a neurological condition called cerebral palsy (CP), which affects my movement, muscle tone, motor skills, and speech. Growing up, I faced many physical and emotional obstacles, but I’ve always believed that my disability does not define me and that it is simply a part of my story. I’ve worked to achieve my dreams, even when society or my body seemed determined to stand in my way. Still, hopefully, I can use this crazy journey of disability and self-acceptance to educate and empower a realisation of a more accessible, inclusive, outward-looking and emphatic world, one small step at a time.
From a young age, I was taught that life would be challenging, but I also learned that resilience and determination could help me navigate those challenges. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been one of self-discovery, learning, to continual self-acceptance and growth. Today, I’m proud to say I’m an author, disability awareness empowerment advocate, and motivational speaker. My key message, which I’ll share in this blog, is, "It's okay to embrace differences; choose acceptance and understanding over judgment."


Why I Started This Blog
I wanted to create this blog as a space where I can openly share my experiences living with cerebral palsy and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, laying everything bare and open for everyone to read, see, and experience. When I was younger, there weren’t many resources available for people like me, personal stories about what it’s like to live with a disability, to fight for inclusion, or to balance the highs and lows of life with a neurological condition. So, I decided to create that resource myself, alongside many other disability advocates who are fighting for equity in this modern era.
I know that many people out there feel misunderstood, judged, or even invisible because of their disabilities. Whether you have a disability yourself, know someone who does, or want to learn more, I hope this blog will enlighten you and inspire you to see the world from a different perspective. I want to encourage others to embrace their own differences and understand that there is strength in diversity.

My Mission
Throughout my life, I’ve made it my mission to educate and raise awareness about disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy, and to advocate for inclusion and accessibility in all areas of life. From public speaking engagements to writing, my goal is to help people better understand what it means to live with a disability, not just the struggles but also the triumphs and joys. I want to inspire and empower through using an unfiltered narrative through the power of words. All with a bit of cheeky humour sprinkled on top. I am slightly bonkers, after all.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that disability doesn’t limit potential. Yes, it brings challenges, but it also brings unique strengths, perspectives, and opportunities for growth. In this blog, I’ll discuss everything from navigating daily life with cerebral palsy to breaking barriers in education and the workplace to promoting accessibility and understanding in our communities.

What to Expect from This Blog
This blog will be a safe space for reflection, education, and storytelling. I’ll be sharing personal stories about my journey, the challenging moments, tears, fears and victories, as well as practical advice for those with disabilities, their parents and families, and anyone interested in building a more inclusive world.

You’ll find posts on:

Let’s Embrace Differences Together
I’m so excited to continue this journey with you! Whether you’re here to learn, share, or simply be inspired, I hope you’ll find something in my story that resonates with you. My message to you is simple: It’s okay to be different. Embrace who you are and encourage others to do the same. Let’s build a world where everyone feels seen, accepted, and valued, regardless of their abilities.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more posts where I’ll dive deeper into my personal story, share disability advocacy tips, and much more. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world.


If you’re interested in following my journey, please subscribe to my blog for updates on new posts. I’d love to hear from you; feel free to share your thoughts in the comments
below or contact me directly. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all embrace differences and make the world more inclusive.