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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

We all need to defend the rights of autistic people, because a threat to anyone’s rights is a threat to everyone’s. Learn more in @sesmith.lol's full blog: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/a-c... (🧵 6/6)

A Call for Solidarity: Funding Autistic Autonomy

When "Make America Healthy Again" Translates to Attacks on Autistic Communities Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy just announced that the agency will identify “environmental…

disabilityphilanthropy.org

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

5. Autistic people are often left out of advocacy work. Now is a moment for philanthropy to actively and expressly follow autistic leadership — and for funders to clearly forefront autistic leaders and organizers in funding priorities. (🧵 5/6)

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

4. Grantmaking in the disability space must consider not only the systemic barriers that disabled people face in society, but the way those barriers show up in philanthropy through things like overly complex grant applications and strict reporting requirements. (🧵 4/6)

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

3. We don’t need to seek “cures” for autism – we need research that explores how to dismantle systemic barriers to housing, healthcare, education, and employment for autistic people, rooted in a belief in autistic people’s fundamental humanity and right to exist in the world. (🧵 3/6)

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

2. The administration’s proposal to create an “autism registry” would also threaten autistic people’s data privacy, and lay potential groundwork for future discriminatory policies and practices. (🧵 2/6)

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Sep 4

Five takeaways on defending autistic autonomy in the face of federal attacks on autistic communities, from @sesmith.lol:

1. The current federal administration’s proposal to find a “cure” for autism echoes eugenic talking points. Autism is a natural expression of neurodiversity. (🧵 1/6)

Graphic for a Disability & Philanthropy Forum blog post by s.e. smith titled, "When 'Make America Healthy Again' Translates to Attacks on Autistic Communities." Featuring an illustration of three BIPOC friends enjoying a planetarium show together, all sitting and wearing a variety of masks and colorful summer outfits. In the group: an Afro-Latina woman who’s an arm amputee, a Black Autistic person holding a star-shaped fidget, and an invisibly disabled Asian femme. Stars twinkle in the overhead dome as soft purple light fills the room and an air purifier hums in the background.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 14

Today, August 14, is the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act of 1935, a landmark law that established the provision of financial benefits to Americans over 65, unemployment insurance, and financial support for single mothers.

Learn more in this blog from @nwlc.org:

Social Security at 90: Why Protecting It Matters Now More Than Ever

The Social Security Administration, under DOGE’s direction, is cutting thousands of employees and shutting down regional offices across the country, resulting in long wait times on the phone and less…

nwlc.org

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 14

@lgbtfunders.bsky.social We can't wait! 🥳

Funders for LGBTQ Issues @lgbtfunders.bsky.social · Aug 7

Building on the Disability Justice principle of Collective Access, we are hosting an interactive members-only workshop on September 10, 1:00 PM ET, in collaboration with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.
secure.everyaction.com/bFyd8LDiSEqZ...

Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 12

We are especially grateful to our panelists @jimlebrecht.bsky.social, @kdc.bsky.social ( @disabilitylab.bsky.social), Candace Coleman (Access Living), and Chana Gazit (American Experience). And thank you to @palfrey.org for opening the event for us! Photo credit: Amy Bissonette. (🧵 3/3)

ADA 35 panelists gathered around a table covered in a purple cloth, in front of a banner that reads "Power in Disability Solidarity." From left to right: Sandy Ho (Disability & Philanthropy Forum), Candace Coleman (Access Living), Chana Gazit (American Experience), Keidra Chaney (Disability Culture Lab), and Jim LeBrecht (Director of Change, Not Charity).

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 12

The film touched upon many themes that resonate in this moment. Given the recent rescission of federal funding to public media, this film also demonstrated the powerful storytelling that is possible when public media organizations have adequate funding. (🧵 2/3)

Event attendees listen as Jim LeBrecht (Director of Change, Not Charity) speaks. To Jim's right are the other panelists. From left to right: Sandy Ho (Disability & Philanthropy Forum), Candace Coleman (Access Living), Chana Gazit (American Experience), and Keidra Chaney (Disability Culture Lab). Behind the panelists is a banner that reads "Power in Disability Solidarity."

Event attendees gathered around a table spread of food listen as Sandy Ho speaks.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 12

We're thrilled to have co-sponsored last month's ADA 35 celebration with MacArthur Foundation, hosted at Access Living's incredible space. This event featured a panel on the @amexperiencepbs.bsky.social documentary Change, Not Charity, directed by Oscar-nominee @jimlebrecht.bsky.social. (🧵 1/3)

Sandy Ho, Jim LeBrecht, and Sara Bolder pose in front of the "Change, Not Charity" film poster and a poster that reads "Power in Disability Solidarity."

Three event attendees pose for the camera. In the background is a glass wall with a view of the Chicago city street.

Three event attendees pose in front of a poster that reads, "Power in Disability Solidarity."

Five event attendees pose for the camera.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 6

In light of these rollbacks, we urge our colleagues in philanthropy to fund Black- and disabled-led voting access initiatives. Learn more about how you can support voting access for disabled people: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/fac... (🧵 4/4)

Fact Sheet: Disability & Democracy - Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Democracy is not just about having the ability to vote and make an informed choice, but it’s also knowing that everyone…deserves that opportunity and that right. Therefore it’s up to [all of us] to en...

disabilityphilanthropy.org

Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 6

Today, numerous Supreme Court actions and proposed acts threaten the equity and access to voting that the Voting Rights Act is supposed to provide. And voting access for disabled people, especially disabled Black, Indigenous, Latine, and Asian people, is continually waning. (🧵 3/4)

Text reads, "What’s Happening Now? In 2013, the Supreme Court ruling Shelby County v. Holder weakened protections against voter suppression in areas with a history of anti-Black discrimination. In 2021, the Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee ruling made it harder to win lawsuits that fight back against voter discrimination. Today, the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would add another hurdle to voter registration by requiring all voters to bring proof of citizenship when registering." Source: Brennan Center for Justice, “Strengthening the Voting Rights Act”; Center for American Progress, “The SAVE Act: Overview and Facts.”

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 6

This was directly tied to increased voting access for Black people: by the end of 1965, 250,000 new Black voters had been registered to vote. Many Black disabled ancestors, including Fannie Lou Hamer, were pivotal to fighting for the passage of the Voting Rights Act. (🧵 2/4)

Fannie Lou Hamer speaks at the Democratic National Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey, August 1964.

A Black woman voting in Cardozo High School in Washington D.C. on November 3rd, 1964, Washington D.C, United States. Original photo by Marion S. Trikosko, Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 6

Today, August 6, is the 60th anniversary of the #VotingRightsAct of 1965, a landmark federal law that outlawed racist and discriminatory voting practices, such as requiring voters to pass literacy tests before voting. (🧵 1/4)

A black and gray graphic reads, “60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.” Below the text is a black and white photo of a Black woman at the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in March 1965, holding a poster reading, ‘Let My People Vote.’ Photo credit: Dan Budnik/Contact Press Images. Below the photo is text reading, “August 6, 1965.”

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Aug 4

Thank you for your solidarity 🌻

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Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Center for Racial and Disability Justice @crdjustice.bsky.social · Jul 30

✨ There are 3 incredible disability research fellowships at Northwestern’s Center for Education in Health Sciences! CRDJ is a mentorship site.

If you’d like to work with us, mention CRDJ in your personal statement and select us as your fellowship site!

Learn more ⬇️

A photo of the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is overlaid with a black gradient coming from the left. On top of this, white text reads "Calling all disability researchers. Northwestern's Center for Education in Health Sciences has 3 fellowship opportunities for disability-focused researchers. CRDJ is a mentorship site! Collaborate with us by: selecting CRDJ as your site, mentioning us in your personal statement."

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Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Disability Culture Lab @disabilitylab.bsky.social · Jul 25

Calling all qualified disabled leaders:

Apply now for the Disability Rising Fellowship!

- Media training & coaching
- Speaking & publishing opportunities
- $5000 individual or org stipend

Ready to shift the narrative?

Apply: tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising

Deadline: 8/22/25, 11:59 p.m. ET

Graphic for the Disability Rising Fellowship by Disability Culture Lab. The top banner says “Applications Open.” Main text reads: “Disability Rising Fellowship. Are you a disabled advocate, storyteller, or change-maker ready to shift the narrative around disability? Apply for our media fellowship program!”

Deadline listed as: “August 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.”

At the bottom, the URL reads: “Apply at tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising.”

Image includes a photo of two disabled Black people with microphones: one wearing a patterned shirt and shorts with a prosthetic leg, and the other in a black dress. They appear to be speaking and smiling.

Graphic for the Disability Rising Fellowship by Disability Culture Lab. Text reads: “We’re searching for rising disabled leaders to join our cohort!”

A bulleted list follows under “As a Fellow, you will...”

• Receive TV, radio, and public speaking training
• Get personalized coaching and editing support
• Grow your digital media presence
• Access media booking and storytelling opportunities
• Receive a $5,000 stipend
• Join a cross-movement community of powerful voices
• Attend an optional in-person media training in March 2026

Bottom text reads: “Apply: tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising”

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Connie Panzarino, a lesbian author and activist for disability rights & LGBTQIA+ rights. Connie lived with muscular dystrophy, used a wheelchair, and along with other disabled organizers, successfully lobbied for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963. Photo Credit: JEB (Joan E. Biren). 10/10

Connie Panzarino crossing the street in her wheelchair.

Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Jazzie Collins, a Black trans woman activist & community organizer who lived with HIV. Jazzie’s activism included serving as the vice chair of the Lesbian Gay Transgender Senior Disabled Housing Task Force & successfully raising the minimum wage in San Francisco as part of the Prop L Committee. 9/10

Jazzie Collins wearing a black blazer, black top, pearl necklace, and glasses.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Pat Parker, a Black lesbian feminist poet and activist who lived with breast cancer. Her activism included involvement in the Black Panther Party and the Black Women's Revolutionary Council, and her poetry addressed her lived experience with poverty, sexual violence, and domestic violence. 8/9

Pat Parker wearing wide glasses and a knit sweater.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Barbara Jordan, the first southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first LGBTQIA+ woman in Congress. Barbara lived with multiple sclerosis beginning in her first year in Congress, and used mobility aids toward the end of her life. 7/9

Barbara Jordan speaking into a double-microphone.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Audre Lorde, a self-described "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet" who lived with cancer and low vision. Her intersectional and influential writings on gender, sexuality, race, and class include the essay collection “Sister Outsider.” 6/9

Audre Lorde smiling at the camera and wearing a straw hat and thin-rimmed glasses against a background of a bustling city street.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who loved men and women, and whose self-portraits depicted her experience living with lifelong chronic pain and illness. Frida participated in activist circles and spoke out against colonialism, imperialism, and machismo. 5/9

A black and white photo of Frida Kahlo. She sits with her arms folded, looking directly into the camera. Her hair is pulled back, and she wears hoop earrings and is draped in a scarf.

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Disability & Philanthropy Forum @disphilanthropy.bsky.social · Jul 29

Frances Thompson, a formerly enslaved trans woman and the earliest documented trans woman to testify before the United States Congress. She lived with cancer in her foot and used mobility aids and crutches throughout her life. 4/9

A black and white drawing of Frances Thompson. She sits in a tasseled chair wearing a long sleeved dress and scarf and holding an open umbrella above her head.

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