Policies

Over the past few weeks, disability advocates across the country have gathered at state capitols, rallying for policy changes, community inclusion, and increased accessibility. Events like Minnesota’s Disability Advocacy Rally, Colorado’s Disability Rights Advocacy Day, and similar gatherings in Wisconsin have provided platforms for people with disabilities, their allies, and lawmakers to engage in meaningful discussions about rights and representation.

Minnesota: Disability Advocacy Rally

On March 25, disability advocates in Minnesota came together at the state capitol for a rally focused on the theme: “Disability Justice: Defining Our Future, Remembering the Past.” The event featured a pre-rally gathering, a main rally with speeches from disability leaders and legislators, and meetings with lawmakers throughout the day. These conversations centered on crucial issues such as Medicaid funding, home- and community-based services, and the need for stronger enforcement of accessibility laws. The event was not just about policy; it was also a celebration of resilience, emphasizing the progress made over the years and the work still left to be done.

Colorado: Disability Rights Advocacy Day

(D-RAD)

Earlier in the month, on March 6, Colorado held its Disability Rights Advocacy Day (D-RAD) at the Capitol in Denver. This event encouraged individuals with disabilities to share their personal experiences with legislators, highlighting the real-world impact of policy decisions. Discussions included the need for better transportation options, expanded employment opportunities, and stronger protections against discrimination. Participants also had the opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers, making their voices heard on issues that directly affect their daily lives.

Wisconsin: Virtual Disability Advocacy Day

Wisconsin’s Disability Advocacy Day, originally planned as an in-person event on March 12, was transitioned to a virtual format to accommodate participants facing transportation challenges. While this change allowed more individuals to attend, it also highlighted the ongoing barriers to accessibility that many people with disabilities continue to face.

Michigan: Disability Awareness Day

On March 28, Michigan hosted its Disability Awareness Day in Grand Rapids. This event featured an advocacy panel, interactive breakout sessions, and a keynote address by Dr. Melba Vélez Ortiz on communication ethics and accessibility. Participants engaged in discussions about disability representation in media, workplace inclusion, and the importance of self-advocacy.

My Thoughts

One of the most impactful aspects of events like Minnesota’s Disability Advocacy Rally is their ability to bring people face-to-face with lawmakers. These interactions are incredibly valuable because they humanize the issues and give elected officials a direct understanding of the lives they represent. While written reports and statistics are important, seeing the real impact on individuals provides lawmakers with a deeper, more personal connection to the policies they are voting on. I believe that personal engagement is key to creating meaningful change, as it allows legislators to hear firsthand the challenges that individuals with disabilities face every day.

As someone who experiences the transportation challenges that many people with disabilities face, I can relate to the significant barriers to mobility. I rely on others for transportation because the options available in Missouri are insufficient. This is a daily reality for many individuals with disabilities, and it impacts everything from employment opportunities to social participation. Addressing these gaps in transportation infrastructure should be a priority for policymakers, as it’s a critical piece of creating equitable access to all aspects of society. Without reliable and accessible transportation, people with disabilities are often left isolated, unable to fully engage in their communities or access necessary resources.

Switching events like Wisconsin’s Disability Advocacy Day to a virtual format undoubtedly increases accessibility for many individuals. It allows people who might otherwise be unable to attend due to physical, financial, or geographical barriers to participate. However, while virtual events broaden participation, they often fall short of the deep connections that in-person interactions foster. There’s a unique, personal quality to face-to-face engagement that virtual settings can’t replicate. For advocates, meeting and interacting with lawmakers in person can be incredibly powerful. Moving forward, while virtual options are essential for increasing accessibility, we should also explore hybrid models or alternative ways to make in-person events more accessible without sacrificing their connective power.

As someone who runs a social media company focused on raising awareness and providing a platform for people with disabilities, I believe that media representation is crucial. The visibility of people with disabilities in mainstream media plays a significant role in changing perceptions and promoting inclusivity. However, there’s still much progress to be made. People with disabilities should be represented not just as recipients of charity or as part of inspirational stories, but as complex individuals with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. By diversifying the media landscape, we can ensure that disability is seen as a part of the broader human experience, and that people with disabilities are portrayed in all aspects of life—from business and leadership to art and entertainment.

A Question to Consider

What actions can we take, individually and collectively, to ensure that the advocacy efforts seen in these events lead to lasting change for people with disabilities?

   Join the Conversation!

I want to feature more voices in my articles. If you have insights, stories, or ideas to share about disability news, fashion, or tech—let’s collaborate!

My sources:

1. Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)
   https://ccdconline.org

2. Alliance Colorado
   https://www.alliancecolorado.org

3. The Arc of Colorado
   https://www.thearcofco.org