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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.

Photo of an accessible parking space

Stop Assuming I’m Not Disabled Just Because I Don’t “Look Disabled”

I park my car in a parking space reserved for those with disabilities. My door is barely open before I’m confronted by a woman who demands to see my handicap parking placard. Her mother is disabled, and she needs the…
People in the rain on sidewalk with person in orange WSDOT vest

Celebrating 2019 Transportation Wins – and Looking Towards 2020

Disabled Pedestrian Safety With the Moving All Seattle Sustainably (MASS) Coalition, we won legislation calling for the City of Seattle to adopt a new comprehensive signals policy that would include more time to cross the street and give  pedestrians …
Vanessa and Anna accept award from Puget Sound Sage

Rooted in Rights Wins Three Community Awards for Authentic Advocacy

This year, Rooted in Rights received three awards in recognition for our groundbreaking storytelling on transportation and access. See what these community organizations are saying about our work!
A group of people stand on a balcony in Kenya. The Rooted in Rights and Mental Voices Africa Logos in the bottom corner of the image.

Mental Voices Africa and Rooted in Rights

Rooted in Rights has partnered with Mental Voices Africa to promote international advocacy for those of us with mental health disabilities. In October 2019, Noela Luka, Chairperson for Mental Voices Africa, and Allexa Laycock, Editor for Rooted in Rights,  led…
Rooted in Rights and Mental Voices Africa logo with Closed Caption and Audio Description logos. Harrison sits in front of a brick wall.

Mental Voices Africa – Harrison

Harrison describes the difficulty in acquiring a disability card as a person with bipolar disorder.…
Rooted in Rights and Mental Voices Africa logo with Closed Caption and Audio Description logos. Nick sits in front of a brick wall.

Mental Voices Africa – Nick

Nicholas Odhiambo Osir has a BA in Philosophy. He is a Mental Health survivor meaning he got better over time, developed great coping mechanisms and is not always on medication. He is passionate about self-advocacy on Mental Health issues in…
Phyllis sits in front of a brick wall. She wears headphones and looks to the side with a slight smile.

Mental Voices Africa – Phyllis

Phyllis is an I.T and Administration Professional with Logistics working experience. As a Mental Health Ambassador, she hopes to help destigmatize mental health and foster open dialogues about issues such as Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, and other disorders. As a Mental…
A photo of Brian seated in a chair with headphones in his ears looking toward a mobile phone being held toward him.

Mental Voices Africa – Brian

Brian Emmanuel Mbuthia created an online open forum on Mental Health called The Stronger Forum. Here he engages especially with young adults and invites teachers, parents and caregivers as part of creating conversations around Mental Health that he has been…
Rooted in Rights and Mental Voices Africa logos with Closed Captioning and Audio Description logos. Festus smiles in front of a brick wall.

Mental Voices Africa – Festus (English voice over)

Content note: Mention of suicidal feelings Festus Maronga, is from Gachie, Kenya. He’s a student at Kenyatta University studying Diploma in Theatre Art and Film Technology. He loves writing poems and acting. He’s passionate about Child Rights and Mental Health.…