Blog

Ed Roberts was a visionary disability advocate and the “Father of Independent Living.” He began his decades-long work as a pioneering activist in 1954. His relentless commitment to advocacy left a profound legacy that continues to inspire and guide efforts for equality today. On January 23, the disability community celebrates Ed’s life. We honor him because his story reminds us that change often takes years, even decades. Advocacy is not easy; it demands personal commitment, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in justice.

Making holiday gatherings inclusive brings everyone together to share in the joy of the season. From clearing snowy pathways to creating quiet spaces, small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in helping all guests feel welcome at your celebrations. The Minnesota Council on Disability offers practical tips to help you plan accessible, welcoming holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting at home or organizing activities elsewhere, learn how to create celebrations where everyone can fully participate.

In honor of Human Rights Day, Policy Consultant Sumukha Terakanambi explores how meaningful disability inclusion requires action at every level. From sports teams demonstrating the power of individual accommodations to nations strengthening civil rights protections, organizations and governments are embracing change. Here in Minnesota, strong legal protections combined with engaged disability advocacy continue to advance policy changes that benefit people with disabilities.

For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on how different nations approach disability inclusion. What if visiting family meant facing imposing obstacles—barriers that made you give up on visiting loved ones? For Sumukha Terakanambi, traveling in India highlighted the differences in how cultures support and include people with disabilities. From inaccessible schools to societal attitudes that set lower expectations, Sumukha’s experience provides a personal look into the struggles faced by people with disabilities worldwide. He emphasizes that true inclusion goes beyond implementing laws—it requires breaking down the barriers that prevent people from thriving, no matter where they live.

Guest writer Brian Muchiri shares his decade-long journey to accepting his disability and becoming an advocate, emphasizing the themes of possibility and courage for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Through personal reflections, he explores the struggle of coming to terms with his disability and his eventual embrace of advocacy. Brian’s recollections highlight the persistent challenges faced by people with disabilities worldwide. These include stigma, isolation, and lack of accessibility. His message underscores the importance of empowering individuals to embrace their abilities, advocating for global collaboration, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

People with disabilities make up approximately 16% of the global population—over 1 billion individuals. Unfortunately, they face significant challenges, including lower health outcomes, higher poverty rates, limited access to education, and higher unemployment. The root cause of these inequities lies in persistent barriers that hinder full community participation—barriers related to healthcare, transportation, discrimination, and physical inaccessibility. The international community observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities annually on December 3 to raise awareness of these barriers and reaffirm each nation’s responsibility to foster inclusion and uphold disability rights.