Skip Navigation
Skip to Footer
Black and white headshot of Ben Spangenberg. Text: "in loving memory and respect of Ben Spangenberg"

Ben Spangenberg

RespectAbility mourns the sudden loss of Ben Spangenberg, who passed away after surgery on September 29, 2023. Spangenberg has been a part of RespectAbility’s team since 2015, and since 2017, has served as the Senior Manager of our National Leadership Program. Under his leadership, more than 200 Fellows have graduated from the program, going on to careers in disability advocacy, on Capitol Hill, in philanthropy and other sectors.

Spangenberg also assisted with RespectAbility’s democracy work, spending several weeks in Iowa and New Hampshire interviewing presidential candidates. He met 100 percent of the 2016 candidates on both sides of the aisle, educating their campaigns on the importance of not only ensuring accessibility of events and materials but also creating thoughtful policies for helping people with disabilities achieve employment goals.

Prior to working with RespectAbility, Spangenberg worked on Capitol Hill and spent seven years working with a government contractor on several disability-related projects pertaining to employment, education and community living. Spangenberg received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Spangenberg was a mentor to many of our Fellows and Staff. But more than that, he was a kind, caring, loyal friend to everyone at RespectAbility. The RespectAbility team offers their condolences to his family, friends, and the disability community at large which dramatically benefitted from his life’s work. Ben, you will be missed.

Ben Spangenberg smiling with his late husband, Justin Chappell

Ben Spangenberg with his late husband, Justin Chappell

In lieu of flowers, Ben’s family has requested donations to RespectAbility. Our Board has generously offered to match donations made in Ben’s honor up to $10,000. You can donate online here.

Tributes From Our Team

RespectAbility staff and board members smile together outside a restaurant in Washington DC“When I first joined RespectAbility, Ben was one of the first team members I met. He shared with me that RespectAbility was a family, not just a workplace, and it turns out, he was right. What he didn’t say back then, but I came to learn during my tenure, was that Ben was a big part of why RespectAbility is more than just a team of disabled and disability advocates working toward common goals.” – Ariel Simms, President & CEO Read More

“Ben was a kind, sweet, smart, and effective advocate for himself and so many others with disabilities and their families. I always enjoyed working with Ben. He will be deeply missed. May his memory be a blessing for all.” – Donna Meltzer, Board of Directors

Ben Spangenberg with RespectAbility staff members around a table at a restaurant in Arlington“Ben was more than a co-worker for me. He was a really great friend. I’m sad that the world will be deprived of the good Ben would have done if he was still here, and that I won’t be able to have another conversation with him. I am seriously going to miss him.” – Eric Ascher, Senior Communications Associate Read More

“Ben was always a kind and supportive member of the team. I always felt comfortable coming to Ben when I needed his help. So many Fellows found a springboard to launch their careers because of Ben’s dedication to the National Leadership Program, and even when we were working together virtually, I could feel his warmth and care for the Fellows. Ben, we’ll never forget you.” – Ian Cherutich, Development Associate

Ben Spangenberg smiling with headphones around his neck“Ben has helped countless people learn how to advocate for themselves – especially in terms of disability accommodations. His legacy will live on in the dozens of Fellows he mentored – reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, and connecting them to a vast network within the disability community.” – Lauren Appelbaum, SVP Entertainment & News Media Read More

“The world lost a beautiful soul way too soon when Ben Spangenberg passed away last week. A leader in the disability world, Ben mentored RespectAbility leadership fellows for a decade. Invested in their success, Ben provided opportunities for many to gain career enhancing work experiences. He generously drove me to the airport each time I visited the Maryland offices and we had special one-on-one time together. He also attended every presentation I made to the fellows which meant a great deal to me. His passing leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts and only time will allow us to feel the blessings of his memory and impact he made on our lives.” – Linda Burger, Chair, Board of Directors

Jim Obergefell with Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell in front of the Supreme Court steps smiling together

“It is still very fresh news for all of us at RespectAbility that my friend and colleague Ben Spangenberg passed away recently, but amidst the grief, it is impossible not to remember Ben’s amazing contributions. To Ben, we say, ‘Rest in Power. Your part is done.’ To the rest of us, Ben’s legacy and spirit shout, ‘Onward!'” – Matan Koch, Senior Policy Advisor Read More

“One of our last conversations was via text when Ben went to the hospital. I told him we missed him at our team meeting that day. “Benly wisdom just wasn’t the same without its namesake,” I wrote. Ben wrote back, “You’ll have to keep folks in line while I’m out-but don’t do too well without me. I like my job and don’t want to become obsolete!” He followed this with three laughing smiley faces. “Ben, not a chance,” I replied. Ben’s smile always made me want to mirror one back. There was a lot of smiling when Ben was in the Zoom room. He gave people a safe space to be themselves, for he was a great listener and sounding board, and he was so completely genuine. In our last conversation, I offered, “I’m always here if you get bored and want to tell Dad jokes!” “My nurses love the Dad jokes,” he replied. Despite our groans after Ben delivered his punchlines, we loved his Dad jokes, too. May his memory be an enduring blessing.” – Shelly Christensen, Senior Director of Faith Inclusion and Belonging

Ben smiling with one of his cats sitting on his shoulder“Ben and I worked for the same organization, but we chose to be friends and work-siblings! I will cherish our goofy conversations, our joyful chats, our sad times, and our shared love of all the Fellows who came through our program. Ben’s light will continue to shine in our Fellows and for so many of us, he taught us to fight for everyone’s rights and fight for space at the decision-making table.” – Tonya Koslo, VP of Finance & Operations Read More

Meet the Author

RespectAbility Staff

For more information, email info@RespectAbility.org.

0 comments… add one

Leave a Reply

Respect Ability - Fighting Stigmas. Advancing Opportunities.

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
RespectAbility
43 Town & Country Drive
Suite 119-181
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Office Number: 202-517-6272

Email: info@respectability.org

Operational Excellence

RespectAbility is recognized by GuideStar at the Platinum level, and has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.
© 2023 RespectAbility. All Rights Reserved. Site Design by Cool Gray Seven   |   Site Development by Web Symphonies   |      Sitemap

Back to Top

Translate »