Skip to content
Disability Rights
lbraille

“We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way we can bring this about.” 

— Louis Braille

Judith-Heumann-1-1024x897

“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.” 

– Judith Heumann

BFA_31978_4324519

“I wanted to be part of the world, but I didn’t see anyone like me in it.” 

– Jim LeBrecht

3703565641_436d1bdc14_m

“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” 

– Robert M. Hensel

swonder

“We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability.” 

– Stevie Wonder

Disability Rights News

Disability Advocates Sue Over ‘Systematic Dismantling’ Of Social Security

by Shaun Heasley | April 7, 2025 Disability advocates are suing the Social Security Administration over “reckless and devastating” changes imposed by the Trump administration that they say are undermining the agency’s ability to serve beneficiaries. The lawsuit filed early this month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia comes after the agency announced it would shed…
Read More

Philly study focuses on learning how to use public transit as path to independence for people with learning disabilities

Researchers at Temple University will look at the effectiveness of the Chance to Ride travel training program and recruit participants in Philly. Nicole Leonard Apr 2, 2025 At the corner of 4th and Spring Garden streets in Philadelphia, Luke Tomczuk waited for the 57 SEPTA bus. Soon it came rumbling down the street and riders…
Read More

How the Education Department Helps Students with Disabilities Get an Education

Jonaki Mehta Apr 3 Sueli Gwiazdowski, 24, says she switched high schools three times when she was growing up. She wanted to stay at her first school because she loved being on the speech and debate team – but the campus wasn’t wheelchair accessible. Her second school forced her to learn in a separate room,…
Read More

Five years of remote work changed workplace accessibility. Employees with disabilities will feel its loss.

Bolstered by Trump’s anti-DEI agenda, the “great return” threatens a new culture of accessibility. By Chase DiBenedetto April 6, 2025 On Jan. 20, wasting little time during his first 24 hours in office, president Donald Trump issued a memorandum terminating federal remote work arrangements for millions of government employees. It was a pleasing move to many Republican lawmakers,…
Read More

[news_5]

Get Informed

Fact Sheet

[facts_5]

  • More than 1 in 4 , adults in the United States have some type of disability.
    cdc.gov
  • Today, there are nearly 5 million Americans with disabilities, making up 13% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, which represents a substantial workforce and consumer base in our country.
    PEW Research Center
  • Adults with disabilities today are more likely to experience health issues compared to those without disabilities, from obesity at a 10% increase to heart disease at a 7% increase to diabetes at a 9% increase.
    cdc.gov
  • 25% of disabled adults aged 18-44 have unmet healthcare needs due to cost.
    cdc.gov
  • 1 in 6 people worldwide has a significant disability, and this number is expected to increase.
    World Health Organization
  • 25% of people with disabilities experience housing insecurity and homelessness.
    cdc.gov
Stay Engaged

Recommended Media

[facts_5]

 
This is life from a disabled lens. Disability Visibility is a podcast hosted by San Francisco night owl Alice Wong featuring conversations on politics, culture, and media with disabled people.
 

Where to listen: Spotify

This film is an oral history, told by the movement’s mythical heroes themselves, and illustrated through the use of rare archival footage. The story features Fred Fay, who suffered a spinal cord injury at age 17 in 1961, and simply refused to be relegated to life’s sidelines just because he couldn’t walk. He fought tirelessly for decades for equal rights, access, and opportunity for the disabled, including advocating for programs allowing the disabled to live independently. (Fred died August 20, 2011; the film is dedicated to him.) Also featured is Ed Roberts, who founded the independent living movement in Berkeley and is also considered a father of the disability rights movement.

 

Where to watch: PBS Documentaries

Disability_Visibility_Project
lwl

Upcoming Events

Beats Ballots

Beats + Ballots

Beats & Ballots is a dynamic community event that combines music, culture, and civic engagement. This event provides a platform for young people to come together, celebrate local talent, and engage in discussions around the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process. Attendees can enjoy live performances, learn about voter rights, and take…

Dr Opal Lee

Opal’s Walk for Freedom

On Thursday, June 19th, Dr. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas. Now a national holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the freedom gained when slavery was abolished all across the country. Unity Unlimited and Ms.…

Empowered

Empowered – A Day of Healing and Resources

Empowered is an event designed to connect crime survivors with vital resources and support their healing journey. Hosted by the Collin County Crime Victims Council in partnership with the Plano Police Victim Services Unit, this event aims to empower survivors and help them thrive. Enjoy food from the CUTX Food Truck (3:30 PM – 5:00…

The Star

A Social Justice Impact Celebration

Join LoveJustice for an unforgettable evening at the LoveJustice Social Justice Impact Celebration, a prestigious awards dinner dedicated to honoring North Texas’ changemakers and advancing social justice efforts.

Diane-Guerrero

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at CU Boulder April 10

The Cultural Events Board (CEB) is proud to welcome Diane Guerrero—acclaimed actress, author and activist—as this year’s keynote speaker. Guerrero, best known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Doom Patrol,” has become a leading voice in the national conversation on immigration and social justice. Guerrero will speak at CU Boulder this…

https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_939824033_239175815561_1_original

Chicago Homeless Outreach Packing Day Every 3rd Friday of the Month

Assemble essential care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. During this event, volunteers will work together to pack bags filled with toiletries, blankets, socks, hygiene products, and other necessary goods. These packages will then be distributed to our friends on the street the following day. No prior experience is needed; bring friends/family, supplies to donate, and…

https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_978590883_2196372854833_1_original

Volunteer to Write Easter Cards 4 Prisoners

Write Easter cards for prisoners in collaboration with Kolbe House Prison Ministry at St. Michael in Old Town and spread love and hope to those who may need it most during this holiday season. No artistic skills required.

jack-sharp-ShCVvQbQBDk-unsplash

LoveJustice Day of Learning for 2025

Join the LoveJustice community for our first Day of Learning in 2025. During this virtual gathering, we will come into greater understanding of how we can support those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

September+2024+Community+Event(2)

Hope North Carolina’s Annual Holiday Party

Let’s celebrate the holidays together with games, holiday treats and a sing-along! Bring a snack to share or just bring yourself and a friend.

JACC_Meeting_Room

SRIS Holiday Dine & Design

This program is designed for individuals with disabilities. Join us for a cozy and delightful evening of holiday cheer at our holiday dinner & cookie decorating night! Enjoy a delicious catered pasta dinner, followed by a fun and creative cookie decorating session.l

[social_causes_5]