By Owen Priest, VCU Social Work Intern
“Activism” can be a scary idea. When we think of activism, a certain image comes to mind: large crowds of people, shouting and holding picket signs. It can be inspiring to witness people come together to stand up for a cause they care about. It can also be really intimidating, especially when a lot of these typical “activist” activities don’t seem accessible for people with disabilities.
But people with disabilities can and do participate in activism. The disability rights movement has made incredible strides over the past several decades, and none of that progress happened by accident. It happened because disabled people demanded change.
Take Judy Heumann. Judy is often described as the mother of the disability rights movement. A prolific and vocal disability rights activist, she helped organize the historic 504 Sit-ins in the 1970s, which were one of the longest nonviolent occupations of a federal building in U.S. history. This protest pressured the government to implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which ensured civil rights for people with disabilities long before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) existed.
More recently, Alice Wong has redefined what activism can look like in the digital age. As a writer, speaker, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, Alice uses storytelling and online platforms to center disabled voices and build community. She’s shown that activism doesn’t have to take place on the streets or in government buildings, but it can also happen from your couch, your desk, or wherever you find yourself.
These stories remind us that activism has always included people with disabilities, and that it must continue to.
Still, activism often gets portrayed as something loud, physical, and nonstop. That can be discouraging if you live with chronic illness, fatigue, mobility barriers, or sensory processing needs. But activism is much bigger than protests and marches. It’s also emailing your representatives, social media posts, zines, mutual aid, storytelling, art, conversations, voting, organizing, and more. Activism is about using your voice and your skills to fight for something better. There’s no one “right” way to be an activist.
However you want to participate in activism, just remember, it’s okay to pace yourself. Activism isn’t a sprint or a race, it’s a long (and often slow) journey. You don’t have to show up to every protest to make a difference. Part of being an activist is knowing your limits and honoring your needs.
The talents you bring to the table matter. You might be a gifted writer, a great listener, a digital organizer, or a creative artist. Change movements need all of those things. Find where you fit into the puzzle, and know that it’s enough.
Also, don’t hesitate to advocate for accessibility in activist groups. Whether you’re asking for captions or ASL interpretation during an event, requesting a physically accessible venue, or reminding others to use plain language, you’re not just speaking up for yourself. You’re opening the door for others, too. Asking for access is not a burden. In fact, advocating for accessibility within activist movements is activism.
We can again look to the 504 sit-ins for inspiration. These involved hundreds of activists, almost all of whom had disabilities, who were able to find ways to provide accommodations, accessibility, and care for each other.
That said, the responsibility to make activism accessible shouldn’t fall solely on disabled people. If you’re someone organizing an event, leading a group, or managing a campaign, accessibility should be built into everything you do, not added as an afterthought.
Think about the spaces you’re meeting in. Are they physically accessible? Is there a low-sensory area for people who might need a break from crowds or noise? Are there accessible bathrooms? What about the way you communicate– are you using plain, inclusive language? Do your videos have captions? Are you offering sign language interpretation?
Most importantly, are you creating space for people to tell their own stories, in their own voices? Ethical storytelling means listening to disabled people and letting them lead. It means making space, not taking it.
Remember: accessibility isn’t about doing “extra” work– it’s about doing thoughtful work. It’s about recognizing that no movement is complete unless it includes everyone.
At the end of the day, activism is about creating a better, more inclusive world. That means we need everyone in the fight. When disabled voices are heard and centered, the world becomes more accessible not just for some, but for all.
So, however you choose to engage, whether you’re marching in the streets, posting online, creating art, or sending an email to your representative, know that you are participating in something powerful. And you absolutely belong here.
Owen (he/him) was an intern at dLCV while completing his Master of Social Work in Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is passionate about bringing inclusivity and accessibility to all areas of life. Owen enjoys being outside, cultivating a small garden on his porch, and spending time with his cats.
dLCV Blog Content Statement: dLCV is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides information and referral, legal representation, technical assistance, short-term assistance, systemic advocacy, monitoring and training to Virginians with disabilities. Our services are provided free of charge. We are independent from state and local government.
The statements given by staff or volunteers for our blog content are NOT intended to be taken as legal advice. Instead, our blog content aims to focus on the lived experiences of people with disabilities and shine a light on the diverse perspectives within Virginia’s vibrant disability community.