RespectAbility is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities. RespectAbility advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future.
In honor of RespectAbility’s tenth anniversary in 2023, we reflected on RespectAbility’s accomplishments and our progress towards our mission to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. We discussed RespectAbility’s history and evolving advocacy. We shared how we hope to change the landscape for the disability community in our next ten years. We highlighted ways that organizations can join the movement and advance on their own journeys to become more accessible, equitable, and inclusive of the disability community and its intersecting identities.
Speaker Bios
A queer and multiply disabled social justice advocate, leader, and educator, Ariel Simms has worked to promote equity, justice, and meaningful inclusion of marginalized communities throughout their career.
Franklin Anderson is a passionate professional who fights for equal rights and opportunities for all marginalized communities. His passion in the disability space is ensuring the disability community has access to education, economic opportunity and fair representation in society broadly. At RespectAbility, his work is focused on foundation and donor relations, as well as leading the inclusive philanthropy program.
