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RespectAbility urges you to take action in support of key legislation that will increase access to employment, education, voting, and all other aspects of community life. Learn how you can make a difference at the links above.

Making a Difference

RespectAbility is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Our mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.

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Resources and Services

headshots of eight diverse people with disabilities. logo for Disability Training & Consulting bureau. Text: "Nothing Without Us." RespectAbility is ready to help make your organization welcoming and inclusive of people with physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health, or other disabilities.

Our Theory of Change

RespectAbility’s theory of change captures how our core programmatic activities intersect to drive long-term impact.

Changing Attitudes: We challenge stigma and amplify authentic narratives on disability – nothing about us, without us!

Advancing Opportunities: We take down barriers to education, employment, and civic life to enable disabled individuals to lead lives of their choosing.

Developing Leaders: We model training and empowering the next generation of leaders in disability advocacy across our pillars.

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RespectAbility Children's Content Lab Fellows smiling together

Recent News

headshots of Lex Frieden and Steven McCoy, the recipients of RespectAbility's 2024 disability impact awards

RespectAbility To Honor Legendary Disability Activist Lex Frieden and Change-Making Deaf-Blind Journalist Steven McCoy

Lex Frieden, one of the chief architects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will receive the 2024 Steve Bartlett Award, named after the Honorable Steve Bartlett, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was a principal co-author of the ADA. The Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award will go to RespectAbility Fellow and groundbreaking deaf-blind journalist Steven McCoy. [click to continue…]

Why The Accessible Voting Act Matters

“Voting should be a stress-free experience. Most people would probably agree that all aspects of voting, including registering to vote, researching the candidates and issues, and casting a ballot, should be accessible to people with disabilities. And thanks to years of effort from disability advocates, there are more accessible voting options than ever before. But unfortunately, barriers to voting persist for disabled people across America.” [click to continue…]

cover art for UCLA's Hollywood Diversity Report 2024: Featuring FIlm. background image is of people watching a movie in a theater

Disabled Actors Severely Underrepresented in Theatrical and Streaming Films But See Small Growth From 2022 to 2023 in New UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report

“Looking at two different UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report studies released in March and May of this year, just 7.1% of theatrical film actors and 4.7% of streaming film actors have a disability. This is in comparison to 26% of the U.S. population.” [click to continue…]

Our Advocacy Pillars

Our theory of change empowers us to maximize our efforts across our four advocacy pillars, with unwavering resolve.

Entertainment and News Media: Increase diverse and authentic representation of disabled people in media so people with disabilities are seen for what they can do, instead of what they cannot.

Leadership and Workforce Development: Enable diverse people with disabilities to participate fully in decision-making.

Policy and Civic Engagement: Promote best practices in education, employment, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and access.

Faith Inclusion and Belonging: Ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in faith-based communities.

Six former RespectAbility Fellows stand on stage under a tent holding their white canes

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