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Voices of Strength: Famous Advocates with Disabilities, featuring NAMI NJ's Hope for the Future Gala Fundraiser

Throughout history, people with disabilities have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and sparked powerful movements for equality. Their voices have reshaped how the world understands ability, inclusion, and human rights. 

The View From Here: My Path to Disability Advocacy | Liam Doyle |  

Famous advocates with disabilities show that disability is not a limitation—it’s a source of strength and creativity. By sharing their experiences, they inspire others to speak up and make change.

In his TEDx talk “The View From Here: My Path to Disability Advocacy,” Liam Doyle shares his journey of living with cerebral palsy and turning everyday barriers into motivation for change. He reflects on the inaccessibility of his hometown and how seemingly small obstacles reveal deeper systemic exclusion. Doyle also describes the tension between wanting rest and feeling the “need to do” something about injustice, ultimately choosing action through civic involvement and storytelling.




Nothing About Us Without Us: Five Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Each advocate’s journey is different. Some, like Helen Keller, transformed personal challenges into global education and inclusion efforts. Others, like Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, use their achievements to advocate for accessibility and justice in modern society. Whether through sports, politics, or storytelling, these leaders continue to shape the conversation about what inclusion truly means.

The article “Nothing About Us Without Us: Five Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement” highlights key figures who shaped disability rights and advocacy. It profiles Rev. Wade Blank, who fought for accessible public transit; Justin Dart Jr., a driving force behind the Americans with Disabilities Act; Ed Roberts, a pioneer of independent living; Stella Young, who challenged societal stereotypes about disability; and Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, amplifying disabled voices. Together, their activism and leadership advanced inclusion, accessibility, and equality for people with disabilities. 




What are your thoughts on these famous advocates? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below!

Featuring...

NAMI NJ's Hope for the Future Gala Fundraiser


From the event's organizers:


"Join us for the "Hope for the Future" gala fundraiser to support The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey's (NAMI NJ) mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. 

 

This elegant evening celebrates NAMI NJ's 40 years of service and will be held on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village in Princeton, NJ, starting at 6:00 PM. Enjoy a cocktail reception, a delicious seated dinner, a distinguished keynote speaker, a DJ, and dancing. Your ticket purchase will directly support our programs to help those affected by mental health challenges build better lives."


You can register for the Gala here: 
https://whova.com/portal/registration/YeCFC2uKKtHHl5bmUYAM/




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.

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