[Music]
NARRATOR: We’ve been here before. We must stick together. When disability rights are threatened, what gives you hope?
KILO MARIE: You know, when I see disability rights being threatened, which is happening on an everyday, 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.
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.
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.
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.