Resource Library

Disability Organizations Leading Us into the Next 35 years and Beyond

In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we’re spotlighting disabled-led and -serving organizations whose work is leading the way toward a future of disability justice, rights, and inclusion. While this robust list represents grantees of the Disability Inclusion Fund at Borealis Philanthropy, there are many more disability-led organizations in the movement. This list is just a starting point! Learn more about actions you can take with disabled leaders and organizations in your area.

Medicaid Advocacy:

• The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law advocates for the civil rights, full inclusion and equality of adults and children with mental disabilities through litigation, public policy advocacy, coalition building, education and more. As lawmakers consider deep federal cuts to Medicaid, Bazelon is working to defend and expand the program—educating policymakers and advancing reforms to protect community-based mental health services.
• CommunicationFIRST is the only national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of people with speech-related disabilities who use communication devices. Alongside its federal policy advocacy, the organization has been working to safeguard Medicaid coverage.
• The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities works with legislators, state agencies, and partner organizations to create public policy that protects and empowers folks with disabilities. They’ve been actively working to protect Medicaid in Texas, advocating against cuts and defending access to its services.
• Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. As part of its policy advocacy, DREDF has been defending and advancing Medicaid access.
• Generation Patient ensures a better future for its patient community by providing direct support through its peer-support groups, while driving systems-level change through leadership programming, and advocacy initiatives across healthcare, research spaces and policy work—including the protection of Medicaid.
• The Native American Disability Law Center advances disability justice and tribal sovereignty through its toll-free intake line, free legal representation, rights trainings, and policy advocacy—including the defense of Medicaid protection and access—for Native people with disabilities across the Four Corners.
• New Disabled South is a coalition advocating for the rights of disabled people in the Southern United States, particularly focusing on Medicaid expansion and access to home and community-based services.

Advocacy + Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): 

• The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law advocates for the civil rights, full inclusion and equality of adults and children with mental disabilities through litigation, public policy advocacy, coalition building, education and more.
• Detroit Disability Power works to ensure the full inclusion of Metro Detroit’s disabled population in transportation, housing, employment, and many other areas of life through community-driven campaigns, policy and advocacy, and a disability justice lens.
• Imagine Water Works integrates community connection to reimagine a future that centers disability justice, climate adaptation, and disaster readiness by collaborating with nonprofits, artists, businesses, scientists, architects, government agencies and more to create innovative resources and develop hazard mitigation plans that serve communities in Louisiana and the nation.  
• PeoplesHub is an online movement school that connects groups and individuals across geographies to build strong, resilient and transformative movements. PeoplesHub is founded on the belief that change becomes possible when those closest to the problem work together to build power and identify solutions.

Education: 

• Atomic Hands develops STEM videos and educational content in ASL, offers trainings and translations for Deaf-friendly STEM spaces, and builds community among Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in science and tech.
• El Grupo VIDA is a network of Hispanic/Latinx parents formed to provide mutual support for people with disabilities or special needs, their parents, family, and guardians. In this sociopolitical moment they’ve been offering virtual and in-person support groups, and hosting legislative education meetings to help families stay informed, connected, and prepared.
• The NC Black Disabilities Network is working to bring inclusive college programs to HBCUs in North Carolina for students with disabilities. With training and support for HBCU leaders, they’re expanding access to higher education and building community power with Black disabled North Carolinians through advocacy and political education.

Disability Culture: 

• Grimalkin Records Inc. mentors and supports trans and queer musicians, particularly BIPOC and disabled artists, using an artist-centered holistic approach to break down barriers, create new systems and structures of support, and expand the reach of marginalized voices.
• Loud’ N Unchained Theater Co. is a collective of Black & Queer, trans, non-binary, Mad, c/Krip & disabled poets, teaching artists, abolitionists, healers & playwrights whose artistry is committed to Gender, Queer, and Disability Justice practices. The organization is rooted in the lived-experience of navigating the medical and psyche industrial complex while Black, mad, and in chronic pain
• Open Doors is a collective of disabled artists, nursing home residents, advocates, and allies using the arts and performance to spark conversations around disability justice, and foster community healing. Their artist group, the Realty Poets recently released Wheeling & Healing II, a poetry anthology sharing stories of resilience and post-pandemic reflection from care residents, neighbors, and community members.
• Ori Art Gallery, the only arts institution run by trans disabled people of color, amplifies the voices of queer and trans artists of color through exhibitions, community organizing, and arts-driven mobilization. The gallery provides a space where creators can escape tokenization, share their work authentically, and engage in meaningful community dialogue..
• Sins Invalid is a disability justice-based movement building and performance project that celebrates and uplifts the stories of disabled people, centering and led by disabled Black, Indigenous, and queer, trans, and nonbinary disabled people.
• Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) uplifts Deaf and Disabled artists of color through multidisciplinary performance, education, and community-building, creating space for cultural expression, liberation, and visibility at the intersections of race, disability, and the arts.