Resource Library

Power in Disability Solidarity Report

April 16, 2025

Power in Disability Solidarity

Embracing the strength that comes from disability solidarity begins with stories. In Power in Disability Solidarity, a Disability & Philanthropy Forum report, three stories demonstrate the power in disability solidarity:

Power in Disability Solidarity: What Role Must Philanthropy Play?

This story is a call to action for philanthropy to collaborate with disabled leaders and organizations to create lasting systemic change and pursue a self-determined, joyful future.

“In light of the current attacks on disabled communities, it is crucial for the philanthropic sector to recognize the opportunities for action that arise from advocacy. We can, and should, heed the wisdom of disability-led movements and work together.” – Sandy Ho, Executive Director, Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Centering Disabled Wisdom: The Essentiality of Participatory Processes

This story provides a model of disability-inclusive community-centered participatory grantmaking through the example of the Disability Inclusion Fund.

“Disability justice is for everyone. It is long overdue that philanthropy recognizes disability justice and disabled organizers as being at the heart of all justice-oriented work, and elevates their leadership in their own decision-making processes.” – Nikki Brown-Booker, Program Director, Borealis Philanthropy’s Disability Inclusion Fund

Art Tells Stories: Disability Inclusion and the Importance of the Arts

This story emphasizes the foundational role of art of shaping worldviews and shared ideologies, showcasing why funding disabled artists is so important.

“Art is a defining component of how we see ourselves and how we project that self-image to others. This is why access to the arts for people with disabilities is crucial.” – Michael Greer, President & CEO of the ArtsFund

Collectively, each story demonstrates that when we unite as a community in solidarity, we can effectively dismantle ableism and advance all social justice movements. We invite you to read these stories — featuring disabled leaders and nondisabled allies in the philanthropic sector — and consider how you can join us in practicing solidarity and working toward disability justice, rights, and inclusion.