From 20 November to 20 December 2025, the UK is marking Disability History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of disabled people, reflect on the struggles for equality, and think about how we can all play a part in building a more inclusive future.
For us as a fostering agency, this month feels especially meaningful. Many children who come into Banya’s care have faced big challenges, and some live with disabilities or additional needs. Disability History Month is a chance to think about the barriers disabled children can face, and to recognise the incredible role foster carers play in helping them feel supported, included, and valued.
Why Disability Awareness Matters in Fostering
Disabled children are more likely to come into care, often because families haven’t had the right support. Once in care, they can face extra hurdles: not only the challenges of being looked after, but also the barriers society places in their way.
The organisers of UK Disability History Month talk about the Social Model of Disability — the idea that it’s not someone’s impairment that limits them, but the barriers around them. That’s such an important message for fostering. With the right environment, encouragement, and support, disabled children can flourish.
The Reality Today
We know progress has been made, but there’s still a long way to go. Government figures show that in mid-2025, the disability employment rate was 52.8%, compared to 82.5% for non-disabled people. Disabled people are also twice as likely to experience unfair treatment at work.
These numbers remind us why awareness matters. If we want disabled children to grow up confident and included, we need to start by making sure they feel valued and supported right now — in their homes, schools, and communities. Foster carers are at the heart of that.
Recent data underlines just how urgent this work is: there continues to be a national shortfall of foster carers — especially carers ready to take on children with complex social, emotional or additional needs. (thefosteringnetwork.org.uk)
How Foster Carers Can Make a Difference
Here are just a few ways foster carers can support disabled children during Disability History Month — and beyond:
- Celebrate role models: Share stories of disabled people who’ve made history, from campaigners to athletes. It helps children understand that disabled people have achieved amazing things and continue to do so.
- Help make sure they’re heard: Work with schools, social workers, and health professionals to make sure children get the support they need.
- Make home inclusive: Make children feel comfortable and included at home, whether that’s adapting routines, making sure the environment suits their needs, or simply showing patience and understanding.
- Encourage hobbies and friendships: Help children access clubs, sports, and community activities, breaking down barriers to inclusion.
- Join the conversation: Use hashtags like #UKDHM to share fostering perspectives and raise awareness about disability inclusion.
Disability History Month is about recognising the fight for equality and celebrating progress. For foster carers, it’s also about making sure disabled children feel seen, heard, and valued every single day.
We’re proud to support awareness months like this because they connect directly to the lives of the children we care for. Together, we can make sure disabled children in foster care grow up knowing they are capable, included, and full of potential.
Thinking about fostering? If you’d like to know more about supporting children with disabilities, we’d love to chat with you. Your care could change a child’s life — giving them the stability, encouragement, and love they need to thrive.
