All disabled people have the right to participate fully in political and public life, as affirmed by Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This section centers disabled people's expertise in building movements for change and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally.
Whether you're new to advocacy or deeply involved in community work, there are many ways to take action that fit your abilities, capacity, and interests.
A beginner-friendly introduction to disability advocacy, including types of advocacy, how to get started, and skills that help.
How to influence laws, regulations, and government programs at local, state, federal, and international levels.
Building collective power through relationships, strategy, and action. Includes examples of disabled people's organizing.
Planning, participating in, and supporting accessible protests and direct action.
How to start a disability-led organization, from purpose and structure to funding and avoiding common pitfalls.
Finding meaningful, accessible ways to contribute to disability rights and justice movements.
Disabled people's movements have always operated on key principles that strengthen organizing:
Nothing About Us Without Us: Disabled people lead movements that affect them.
Cross-Disability Solidarity: Different disability communities are stronger together.
Accessibility as Practice: Not an afterthought—an organizing principle from the start.
Interdependence: Movements thrive when people support one another across differences.
Multiple Ways to Participate: Direct action is powerful, but so are research, childcare, behind-the-scenes logistics, and digital organizing.
This section centers disabled people's expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.