DESCRIBER: Minnesota Council on Disability logo. Montage of black and white photographs depicting the disability rights movement.
NARRATOR: We’ve been here before. We must stick together.
DESCRIBER: Members of the disability community and allies. Many people are using wheelchairs and holding signs and flags.
NARRATOR: When disability rights are threatened, what gives you hope?
DESCRIBER: Large title with the word “HOPE” appears. A series of testimonials in the Council on Disability’s State Fair booth. Photographs of people with disabilities displayed in the background. Kilo Marie. MCD Council Member from Morris, Minnesota. A person standing, wearing a vest over a sweater in jeans.
KILO MARIE: You know, when I see disability rights being threatened, which is happening on an every day, every hour basis right now, what gives me hope is looking to others in the community, realizing that, you know, we’re all tired and we’re all in the same struggle. We’re all in the same trenches, but we’re getting up every single day, encouraging each other to keep fighting the fight because it is about the people, not the systems in power.
DESCRIBER: Minnesota House of Representatives, Liz Reyer. A person standing wearing glasses, t-shirt that reads “Moms Demand Action.”
REYER: You know, I get hope from being here. I get hope from the community that is so intent on protecting the rights of people. We’ve been making progress bit by bit, through funding resources, through setting up policies, strengthening the, Human Rights Act. All things that we can do to protect the rights of people with disabilities. But I know that we’re facing threats at a national level and even at a state level. So I take strength from the courage of people, and I take strength from our resolve to work together for the people of Minnesota. And I just always remember, “Nothing about us without us.” Thank you.
DESCRIBER: Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. A person standing, wearing a hoodie and jeans. An ASL interpreter is signing.
FLANAGAN: What gives me hope when disability rights are threatened are all of the incredible advocates who have never given up, who have continued to do this work year after year, and who celebrate the wins that we have and ensure that we continue to fight for the future.
DESCRIBER: Graphic sequence.
NARRATOR: We’ve been here before. We must stick together. Stay in touch via social media, Facebook. On our website at www.disability.state.mn.us. By phone at (651) 361-7800 or email council.disability@state.mn.us. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
DESCRIBER: Black and white photo credit. Used by permission. Copyright Tom Olin Collection MSS-294. Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections, The University of Toledo Libraries.
Video: What Gives You Hope – Episode 5 [Audio Described] (YouTube)