From Awareness to Action: Making Your Voice Heard in Disability Rights, featuring Youth Engagement and Leadership Opportunity

Across the country and around the world, people with disabilities continue to push for equality, access, and respect. From the fight for accessible transportation to the demand for inclusive education and employment, the disability rights movement has a long and powerful history. But the movement is far from over — and every new voice adds strength to the cause. Whether you’re a person with a disability, an ally, or simply someone who cares about justice, there’s a place for you in this movement.

What Is The Disability Rights Movement? - CountyOffice.org  

Getting involved in disability rights doesn’t always mean standing at a rally or speaking at the statehouse — though those moments are important. Advocacy can take many forms: writing to your local representatives, sharing your story online, joining a youth advisory board, or volunteering with an organization that promotes inclusion. The key is to start where you are, using the tools and experiences you already have.

The video “What Is The Disability Rights Movement?” from CountyOffice.org explains that the disability rights movement is a social and civil rights effort dedicated to ensuring equality, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities. It describes how the movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to major legislative victories that outlawed discrimination and required public accommodations. The video emphasizes key goals such as access to education, employment, transportation, and independent living, while acknowledging that people with disabilities still face ongoing barriers and that advocacy for full inclusion and equal rights continues today.

The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

For young adults with disabilities, becoming part of the movement can also be a way to find community and empowerment. Many youth-led groups provide safe spaces to talk about challenges, share ideas, and work together for change. Through these connections, you can learn about your rights, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of disability advocacy.

The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is a nonprofit group that represents agencies across the U.S. that protect the rights of people with disabilities. These agencies, called Protection & Advocacy (P&A) systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP), help make sure people with disabilities are treated fairly and have access to the support they need. NDRN provides training, guidance, and advocacy to help these agencies fight against abuse, discrimination, and barriers in areas like education, jobs, housing, healthcare, and the justice system. Their goal is to create a society where people with disabilities can live freely and be fully included in their communities. 

What are your thoughts on the disability rights movement? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below!

Featuring...

Youth Engagement and Leadership Opportunity

The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities is recruiting engagement and leadership opportunities for youth and young adults ages 12-26 who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. These opportunities will allow members to grow, build relationships, and impact national work, while receiving a stipend for their time and work.

                                                             Opportunity at the Center

Youth Development Initiative Youth Mentee: (YDI) This group of youth from 12-17 with IDD's will receive training and mentoring by young adult leaders also with IDDs.  This initiative will help them understand health care transition, advocacy, and self-determination. These skills support youth in their own transition and prepare them for potential leadership opportunities.

Apply and Share this Opportunity

Applications are due November 6 2025

For more information or to apply, go to https://spanadvocacy.org/center-for-transition-adult-health-youth-disabilities/

What is the Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities?

The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities supports health care transition for youth ages 12-26 who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), their families, and the professionals who serve them. It provides health care transition training and resources to improve transition, helping youth to have a great adult life. Learn more by visiting the Center’s Recruitment Page.

Have questions or need help? Contact Rachel Shandler at rshandler@spanadvocacy.org 

The SPAN Youth Chat

On November 5th, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join with the SPAN Youth Engagement Team for a topic about advocacy and youth empowerment. More details to come. 

Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.