Get Involved
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.
What You’ll Find Here
Section titled “What You’ll Find Here”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.
Core Principles
Section titled “Core Principles”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.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Section titled “Not Sure Where to Start?”- If you’re new to advocacy, start with Advocacy 101
- If you want to work on laws and regulations, see Policy Advocacy
- If you want to build local power, explore Community Organizing
- If you want to participate in demonstrations, read the Accessible Protest Guide
- If you want to create your own organization, check Starting Organizations
- If you’re looking for ways to contribute, browse Volunteering
Related Sections
Section titled “Related Sections”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.
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
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.