Activism and Advocacy

Educating the world about disability is how we make progress toward change. Take some time to learn about the advocacy issues that matter most to the disability community, the different approaches to activism, and what issues drive activists to continue fighting.

Three photos left to right: Alaina, a thin, young white cane user, standing in the Boston Public Garden with her lavender cane. She is wearing a dark blue romper with umbrellas on it and she has dark brown and purple hair. The second is Alaina standing outside with her lavender cane. She is wearing a colorful Zodiac skirt and a shirt that says "The Future Is Accessible." The third is Alaina at BookCon with her lavender cane. She is wearing a rainbow dress with books all over it.

What I Wish People Knew About Being a Young Cane User

Although Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the genetic connective tissue disorder I have, is lifelong, my symptoms have varied throughout my life. I started using a cane in August or September 2016 to help with balance, stability, stamina, and chronic pain. I don’t …

A black and white blurred photo of protestors. Only their arms are visible.

Social Justice Activists Can’t Always Fight for Everything, and That’s Okay

Whenever I have strength to walk around my neighborhood, I often find myself reflecting on how I got to where I’m at now. In comparison to a few years ago, my life is drastically better than I expected it to …

Photo of 3 disabled Asian American women, Mia Mingus, Alice Wong and Sandy Ho (from left to right). Mia is wearing glasses and large hoop earrings. Alice is wearing a brightly colored scarf and an army-camouflage-print jacket. She is wearing a mask over her nose with a tube for her Bi-Pap machine. Sandy has wavy short hair and is wearing a black sweater. Behind them is a concrete wall with a door.

On Valentine’s Day, Let’s Recognize Why #AccessIsLove

Roses, chocolates, galentines…there is a lot of emphasis on love for people in our personal lives this time of year. I could cry into my glass of rosé over the lack of romance in my life but instead, …

The word story spelled out in wooden letters, surrounded by other randomized wooden letters.

The Power of Storytelling in Times Like These

As the world around me grows ever more entrenched in the horrors of climate change, political repression, and capitalist growth, my fear grows alongside it. Every day I hear more about the terrors that oppressed communities are facing. With each …

Director's slate with an accessible icon on it.

The Ableist Lens of Hollywood

Hollywood’s most recent depiction of disability is inspired by a true story, told through the lens of ableism. The Upside is a film that tells the story of an ex-convict (played by Kevin Hart) who lands a position as a …

Drawing of silhouettes of two heads, showing the exchange of gears and other information symbols, and a lightbulb between them

#ThingsDisabledPeopleKnow is Necessary Because Realistic Disability Representation is Scarce

Recently, I wrote about the most recent instance of “cripping up,” or disabled mimicry, in the film The Upside. Many people were angered by my post and couldn’t imagine why I would be so bold as to critique Bryan Cranston…

Several cars blocking the curb ramp at the other end of a crosswalk.

VIDEO: Don’t Block the Box.

When drivers block the box, it makes the streets more dangerous for everyone.

An image of a brain made up of different colored ropes. At the back, the ropes are fraying.

Why Inspirational Memes About Mental Health Disabilities Are So Damaging

As a person with mental health disabilities, nothing makes me seethe like those who create inspirational memes that do more damage than good to the people in my community. Whenever I encounter such feel-good shibboleths, my hands tense, my breathing …

White text on green reads Alt Text in 60 seconds.

VIDEO: Alt Text in 60 seconds

Alt Text provides people who are blind and low vision access to online visual information. Learn how to become a pro in just 60 seconds!