Statement on Activism from the National Council on Independent Living

Dear Access Living friends and allies,

Access Living is a member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Please read today’s statement from NCIL on activism, and share widely.

NCIL Statement on Activism

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is saddened and angry that, just over two weeks after releasing a statement on police violence, the country is once again mourning the murder of another victim, George Floyd.

NCIL recognizes that, in the midst of so much inequity and injustice that has only been further revealed by Mr. Floyd’s murder, more people than ever – including those of with disabilities – are looking for ways to make their voices heard in the interest of both breaking the cycle of police violence and effecting systemic change. NCIL acknowledges that, although virtual and other means of non-in person activism have often been dismissed as “less than” within the disability community, all modes of advocacy have merit and, in many instances, actions taken via social media have resulted in positive outcomes, not just for people with disabilities, but for all.

With that in mind, NCIL’s Taskforce on Anti-Racism and Equity would like to amplify the resources and guides already in existence that are intended to support individuals with disabilities with in engaging in activism from both home and in-person, including the following:

Sins Invalid

• Disability Justice Primer – for purchase
• Access Suggestions – Mobilizations – Word
• Access Suggestions – Events – Word

Echolalia Chamber

• Beyond the Streets

Andrew Pulrang via Rooted in Rights

• Can We Stop Arguing About the “Right Way” to Be a Disability Activist?

Amnesty International USA and Teen Vogue

• How to Be an Activist When You’re Unable to Attend Protests

URGE

• 7 Ways to Make Your Activism More Inclusive of Activists with Disabilities

That said, we know that engaging in systems advocacy from home can still present challenges and isn’t necessarily universally inclusive: not everyone has the means to make financial contributions to causes and organizations they care about and access to technology that facilitates social media activism is a privilege that excludes many.

Ultimately, how, when, and why a person chooses to speak out during this pivotal time in human history is a personal decision. We applaud all efforts from the disability community to participate in creating a society that protects and respects the lives of Black people, no matter the modality.