According to the CDC, approximately one in four people in the US have a disability while the World Health Organization
reports that nearly 1 billion, or 15% of the global population has a disability. This makes disability the largest minority. Disability
is intersectional, meaning disability crosses all ages, races, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation,
and other groups. Disability is also diverse in individual needs: from hearing and visual impairments to people with mobility
disabilities and people with developmental disabilities; it is important to know that organizing to include people with disabilities is not one size fits all.

Allyship and Advocacy Matters
The first step in creating inclusive and welcoming spaces is to understand what it takes to be an ally and advocate. Remember that as an ally and advocate, you are supporting the movement and working WITH the disabled community. Being an ally, you are using your privilege and power to help create a more just and equitable world for all people.

Where to Start:

1. Educate Yourself: Dive into the rich history and diverse experiences of the disability rights movement. Explore its origins, current challenges, and the voices of its leaders. Consider reading books, watching documentaries, attending lectures and engaging with online resources.
2. Confront Ableism: Educate yourself and others to recognize and dismantle ableist language and attitudes. Foster awareness and understanding to create environments that embrace the full spectrum of human diversity. Take active steps to challenge ableism in your own language and behavior, and encourage others to do the same. Engage in conversations and workshops on ableism and disability rights to deepen your understanding and commitment to inclusion.
3. Support Disability Advocate Leaders: Engage with and uplift the voices of disability advocates. Recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing the goals of the disability community. Attend events and talks led by disabled activists, amplify their messages on social media, and support their initiatives through volunteer work or donations. Take cues from disabled leaders on how best to support their efforts and advocate for their needs.

Kids with Disabilities & Advocacy:

1. Encourage Participation: Create inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities to take on leadership roles. Cultivate environments that nurture their self-confidence and empower them to advocate for themselves.
2. Create Welcoming Spaces: Ensure that all spaces are accessible and inviting for children with disabilities. Prioritize inclusion in activities and events to promote a sense of belonging and participation.
3. Prioritize Self-Advocacy: Encourage children with disabilities to express their perspectives and needs. Foster a culture of respect and empowerment, where self-advocacy is valued and supported.
4. Advocate for Inclusion: Advocate for inclusive practices and policies in all areas of life. Challenge systemic barriers and promote accessibility to create a more equitable society for all.
5. Educate All Children: Foster empathy and understanding among all children by educating them about disability rights and the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. Promote allyship and solidarity from an early age.

Person-First & Identity-First Language:

Respect individual preferences and identities when communicating about disability. Use language that honors the person first and foremost, while also recognizing the significance of disability in their lives. Practice person-first language, addressing the person before the disability (e.g., “a person who uses a wheelchair” instead of “a wheelchair user”), unless an individual expresses a preference for identity-first language. Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your language based on the preferences of disabled individuals.

Be an Inclusive Host:

• Prioritize accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of engagement with the disability community.
• Proactively address barriers and provide accommodations to ensure equal participation for all individuals.
• Conduct accessibility assessments of physical spaces, digital platforms, and communication materials, and make necessary adjustments to enhance accessibility.
• Consult with disabled individuals and organizations to identify potential barriers and develop inclusive solutions.
• Provide clear and accessible information about accessibility features and accommodations, and encourage individuals to request accommodations as needed.
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, where all individuals feel valued and welcome.

Do Your Research:

• Take the time to learn about local disability organizations and engage with disability advocates.
• Prioritize accessibility in all interactions and communications, recognizing the importance of inclusion in creating a more just and equitable society.
• Conduct research to identify disability organizations, advocacy groups, and resources in your community.
• Attend meetings, events, and workshops hosted by disability organizations, and connect with local advocates to learn about their priorities and initiatives.
• Engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with disabled individuals and organizations to support their efforts and advocate for systemic change.
• Stay informed about disability rights laws, policies, and best practices, and advocate for their implementation and enforcement at the local, state, and national levels.
• Take action to promote accessibility and inclusion in your community, workplace, and social networks, and advocate for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals in all aspects of life.

Ultimately, allyship and advocacy involve ongoing commitments to challenging systemic barriers and promoting accessibility in all aspects of life. By amplifying the voices of the disability community, advocating and actively working towards creating more inclusive environments, we can collectively strive towards a world that is more just and equitable for everyone.