All disabled people have the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as affirmed by Article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This page centers disabled people's expertise and is informed by decades of disabled-led direct action.
Disabled people have always been central to protest movements—blocking inaccessible buses, crawling up Capitol steps, occupying institutions, and leading cross-disability direct action. This guide helps disabled people plan, participate in, and support accessible protests.
- Identify your specific access needs for the event (mobility, sensory, communication, medical)
- Determine how long you can realistically participate
- Plan for worst-case scenarios (weather, crowd size, extended time)
- Identify support people or buddies who know your access needs
- Share your emergency contact information with your support network
- Have a plan for how you'll communicate if separated (especially if you use AAC or sign language)
- Discuss exit strategies with your group
- Medications (bring extra, in original containers if possible)
- Water and snacks
- Mobility aids, assistive tech, and backup batteries/chargers
- Medical ID or information card
- Phone charger
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection
- Cash (in case card readers don't work)
- Written communication cards if needed
- Confirm the route, timing, and any accessibility information provided
- Plan transportation to and from the event
- Identify accessible restrooms along the route
- Know the terrain (hills, stairs, surfaces)
- Check weather forecasts and plan accordingly
Making protests accessible isn't just about inclusion—it's about movement strength. Inaccessible actions exclude the people most affected by many issues.
- Provide ASL interpretation for any amplified speech
- Use captioning for video content
- Share information in multiple formats (spoken, written, visual)
- Have clear, visible signage
- Create and distribute access notes in advance
- Choose routes that are wheelchair-accessible
- Include access riders for marches (slower pace option, rest stops)
- Ensure stages and speaking areas are accessible
- Provide seating areas for people who cannot stand
- Identify accessible restrooms
- Create sensory-friendly or quiet zones
- Warn about loud noises in advance
- Avoid strobe lights and flickering visuals
- Consider scent-free policies for indoor actions
- Provide noise-reducing options when possible
¶ Pacing and Rest
- Build in breaks for longer actions
- Allow people to come and go without judgment
- Provide hydration stations
- Have a plan for heat, cold, or other weather challenges
- Designate access marshals who can help with access needs
- Train marshals on disability awareness and emergency procedures
- Offer remote participation options when possible
- Have a plan for medical emergencies
- Understand your rights when interacting with police (varies by jurisdiction)
- Disabled people have been targeted by police during protests—plan accordingly
- Medical devices and medications may complicate interactions with law enforcement
- Having a lawyer's number written on your arm or in an accessible place can help
¶ Health and Safety
- Wear medical ID if you have conditions that might affect emergency response
- Bring any documentation of medical needs
- Know your limits and rest before reaching them
- Have a plan for accessing medical care if needed
- COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses remain risks at large gatherings—consider masking
- Have a plan for how you'll communicate if:
- Your phone dies or is confiscated
- You're separated from your support people
- Loud noise prevents communication
- You need to leave suddenly
- If arrested, you have the right to request accommodations
- Request that essential medications stay with you
- Ask for accessible holding areas if needed
- Have a plan for who will advocate for your access needs if you're detained
Blocking inaccessible buses and trains to demand accessible public transportation. ADAPT's bus actions in the 1980s led to accessible buses nationwide.
¶ Sit-Ins and Occupations
Occupying buildings to prevent business as usual until demands are met. The 504 Sit-In (1977) was the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history.
Using powerful imagery to communicate messages. The Capitol Crawl (1990) saw wheelchair users leave their chairs and crawl up the Capitol steps to demand passage of the ADA.
Unfurling banners from buildings or bridges to create visible messages. Effective for small groups and can be done by people with limited mobility.
Lying down in public spaces to dramatize the life-and-death stakes of policy decisions. Used by disability rights activists around healthcare and pandemic response.
Online actions including coordinated social media campaigns, virtual rallies, and digital direct action. Essential for people unable to participate in person.
Protest participation takes a physical and emotional toll. Planning for aftercare is part of access.
- Hydrate and eat
- Rest as needed
- Check in with your support people
- Take medications on schedule
¶ Processing and Reflection
- Debrief with your group about what happened
- Document any access barriers you encountered
- Note what worked well for future actions
- Process any difficult experiences with trusted people
- Follow up on campaign demands—protest is a tactic, not an end goal
- Share your experience to help others prepare
- Connect with organizations doing ongoing work on the issue
This page centers disabled people's expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.