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disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Disability & Philanthropy Forum
@disphilanthropy.bsky.social
640 followers 75 following 110 posts
The Disability & Philanthropy Forum is mobilizing philanthropy toward disability justice, rights, and inclusion.

https://linktr.ee/disabilityphilanthropy
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disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Five takeaways on defending autistic autonomy in the face of federal attacks on autistic communities, from @sesmith.lol:

1. The current federal administration’s proposal to find a “cure” for autism echoes eugenic talking points. Autism is a natural expression of neurodiversity. (🧵 1/6)
Graphic for a Disability & Philanthropy Forum blog post by s.e. smith titled, "When 'Make America Healthy Again' Translates to Attacks on Autistic Communities." Featuring an illustration of three BIPOC friends enjoying a planetarium show together, all sitting and wearing a variety of masks and colorful summer outfits. In the group: an Afro-Latina woman who’s an arm amputee, a Black Autistic person holding a star-shaped fidget, and an invisibly disabled Asian femme. Stars twinkle in the overhead dome as soft purple light fills the room and an air purifier hums in the background.
September 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Today, August 14, is the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act of 1935, a landmark law that established the provision of financial benefits to Americans over 65, unemployment insurance, and financial support for single mothers.

Learn more in this blog from @nwlc.org:
Social Security at 90: Why Protecting It Matters Now More Than Ever
The Social Security Administration, under DOGE’s direction, is cutting thousands of employees and shutting down regional offices across the country, resulting in long wait times on the phone and less…
nwlc.org
August 14, 2025 at 9:04 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
@lgbtfunders.bsky.social We can't wait! 🥳
lgbtfunders.bsky.social Funders for LGBTQ Issues @lgbtfunders.bsky.social · Aug 7
Building on the Disability Justice principle of Collective Access, we are hosting an interactive members-only workshop on September 10, 1:00 PM ET, in collaboration with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.
secure.everyaction.com/bFyd8LDiSEqZ...
August 14, 2025 at 6:50 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
We're thrilled to have co-sponsored last month's ADA 35 celebration with MacArthur Foundation, hosted at Access Living's incredible space. This event featured a panel on the @amexperiencepbs.bsky.social documentary Change, Not Charity, directed by Oscar-nominee @jimlebrecht.bsky.social. (🧵 1/3)
Sandy Ho, Jim LeBrecht, and Sara Bolder pose in front of the "Change, Not Charity" film poster and a poster that reads "Power in Disability Solidarity." Three event attendees pose for the camera. In the background is a glass wall with a view of the Chicago city street. Three event attendees pose in front of a poster that reads, "Power in Disability Solidarity." Five event attendees pose for the camera.
August 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Today, August 6, is the 60th anniversary of the #VotingRightsAct of 1965, a landmark federal law that outlawed racist and discriminatory voting practices, such as requiring voters to pass literacy tests before voting. (🧵 1/4)
A black and gray graphic reads, “60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.” Below the text is a black and white photo of a Black woman at the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in March 1965, holding a poster reading, ‘Let My People Vote.’ Photo credit: Dan Budnik/Contact Press Images. Below the photo is text reading, “August 6, 1965.”
August 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum
crdjustice.bsky.social
✨ There are 3 incredible disability research fellowships at Northwestern’s Center for Education in Health Sciences! CRDJ is a mentorship site.

If you’d like to work with us, mention CRDJ in your personal statement and select us as your fellowship site!

Learn more ⬇️
A photo of the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is overlaid with a black gradient coming from the left. On top of this, white text reads "Calling all disability researchers. Northwestern's Center for Education in Health Sciences has 3 fellowship opportunities for disability-focused researchers. CRDJ is a mentorship site! Collaborate with us by: selecting CRDJ as your site, mentioning us in your personal statement."
July 30, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum
disabilitylab.bsky.social
Calling all qualified disabled leaders:

Apply now for the Disability Rising Fellowship!

- Media training & coaching
- Speaking & publishing opportunities
- $5000 individual or org stipend

Ready to shift the narrative?

Apply: tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising

Deadline: 8/22/25, 11:59 p.m. ET
Graphic for the Disability Rising Fellowship by Disability Culture Lab. The top banner says “Applications Open.” Main text reads: “Disability Rising Fellowship. Are you a disabled advocate, storyteller, or change-maker ready to shift the narrative around disability? Apply for our media fellowship program!” Deadline listed as: “August 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.” At the bottom, the URL reads: “Apply at tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising.” Image includes a photo of two disabled Black people with microphones: one wearing a patterned shirt and shorts with a prosthetic leg, and the other in a black dress. They appear to be speaking and smiling. Graphic for the Disability Rising Fellowship by Disability Culture Lab. Text reads: “We’re searching for rising disabled leaders to join our cohort!” A bulleted list follows under “As a Fellow, you will...” • Receive TV, radio, and public speaking training • Get personalized coaching and editing support • Grow your digital media presence • Access media booking and storytelling opportunities • Receive a $5,000 stipend • Join a cross-movement community of powerful voices • Attend an optional in-person media training in March 2026 Bottom text reads: “Apply: tinyurl.com/DisabilityRising”
July 25, 2025 at 4:39 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
At the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, we honor and celebrate the disabled LGBTQIA+ community year-round! The LGBTQIA+ community, and especially trans and non-binary people, are undergoing severe and rapidly worsening attacks at the federal, state, and local levels. 🧵 Thread 1/9
“Honoring Disabled LGBTQIA+ Ancestors” above an arrow indicating a swipe to the next image. To the right is a photo of a LGBTQIA+ Pride flag. In the upper left, the Disability & Philanthropy Forum logo.
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Access is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Meeting the needs of the disability community requires constant evolution, creative problem-solving and collaboration. @sesmith.lol breaks down collective access in this new blog:
Collective Access: An Active Project That Everyone Is Engaged In
Learn why collective access is a vital community practice that goes beyond compliance standards.
disabilityphilanthropy.org
July 23, 2025 at 3:07 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
"While we feel a deep sense of sorrow and, at times, even outrage, our resolve remains strong."

The Disability & Philanthropy Forum, and philanthropic organizations committed to disability solidarity, are responding to the passage of H.R. 1. Learn more and sign on to the statement: buff.ly/uFmVp9x
At the top is an illustration of a yellow, orange, and purple sunflower. Below is text that reads, "Philanthropic Organizations Committed to Disability Solidarity Respond to the Passage of H.R. 1. This July, we will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was founded on the principles of unity among individuals with disabilities, civil rights organizations, and across political ideologies. With the passage of H.R. 1, we are witnessing the frayed threads of our democracy unravel as older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and families with children, already teetering on the cliff, are now facing one of the most challenging moments of our lifetimes. In a truly disability inclusive country, where rights are respected, programs like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, IDEA, and SNAP are fully funded and essential to achieving disability justice." To the bottom right is an arrow indicating that the statement continues on the next graphic. Text continues from the previous graphic: "While we feel a deep sense of sorrow and, at times, even outrage, our resolve remains strong. Movements are built on unity and reflect our deepest hopes for democracy, our love for our communities, and our commitment to the boldest aspirations of our cause. As champions and leaders of disability justice, rights, and inclusion in philanthropy – we firmly believe that our democracy is made stronger when those closest to the solutions have the resources to continue to lead the way forward. Alongside the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, we remain firm and unwavering in resourcing and being in solidarity with disabled people and organizations by taking even bolder actions to dismantle ableism. Let’s celebrate the progress of what the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act achieved with this list of 35 actions that the philanthropic sector can take. Join us in signing the statement today."
July 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
In the newest episode of Disability Inclusion: Required, host Justice Shorter welcomes Marcus Walton (Grantmakers for Effective Organizations) and our Executive Director Sandy Ho to discuss the transformative practice of disability solidarity in philanthropy. Tune in to the episode: buff.ly/Ju0dq3o
A white and blue graphic advertising Disability Inclusion: Required, a podcast from the Disability & Philanthropy Forum hosted by Justice Shorter. Episode 24 features Sandy Ho, Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, and Marcus Walton, President and CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, for a conversation on Cultivating Disability Solidarity in Philanthropy: A New Path Forward.
July 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
It’s Disability Pride Month! In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct, we’re sharing 35 ways your organization can honor, educate, and be in solidarity with disabled movement leaders and advocates. Read the full list: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/thi...
Thirty-Five Ways To Celebrate Disability Pride Month - Disability & Philanthropy Forum
Learn how you can honor, educate, and be in solidarity with disabled movement leaders this Disability Pride Month.
disabilityphilanthropy.org
July 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
As we recognize the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the words in this new letter from our executive director, Sandy Ho, serve as a beacon in uncertain times.

Read the letter: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/dea...
Green-framed graphic with text that reads, "I wonder, what keeps you going thirty-five years later ADA? As inconceivable as it can sometimes seem at this moment, I find a deeper sense of purpose and solace in dreaming about what comes next for disability justice and disabled people."
July 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
We’ve received 100+ responses on how the first 100 days of changes in public leadership have impacted disabled-led and -serving organizations. Serin Bond-Yancey, MSW (they/any pronouns, Executive Director of @transwa.bsky.social) shares how the lack of philanthropic support is harming organizations:
A quote from Serin Bond-Yancey, MSW, Executive Director, Trans-Wa: “A lot of [funding awards] are not addressing urgent timely issues ...A lot of the time, we're feeling alone. Especially when it comes to formal funding systems.”
June 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
We’re so grateful to have hosted a joyous gathering of the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy in the Bay Area this month! The power of disability solidarity and the importance of disability justice, rights, & inclusion was palpable. Photo credit: @movementphotog.bsky.social‬
Forum Executive Director Sandy Ho gives remarks to attendees of the 2025 Presidents’ Council dinner. Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson of Hand in Hand speaks to attendees of the 2025 Presidents’ Council meeting about disability solidarity. Presidents’ Council co-chairs John Palfrey (MacArthur Foundation) and Ryan Easterly (WITH Foundation) address the attendees. Author and activist Alice Wong during her fireside chat with Ryan Easterly.
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Responses are pouring in from disabled individuals and organizations on how the first 100 days of changes in public leadership have impacted their work. Violet E. Horvath, Ph.D., MSW, MFA, and a person with a disability, shares how dire the situation is for people with disabilities:
A quote from Violet E. Horvath, Ph.D., MSW, MFA, and a person with a disability: "If things don't change immediately, if services aren't restored quickly, we're pretty much back to being where we were decades ago."
May 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Today, we honor the legacy of Stacey Park Milbern, a groundbreaking leader in the Disability Justice movement and one of the creators of the 10 Principles of Disability Justice.
A quote from Stacey Park Milbern in white text reads, “I would want people with disabilities...to know that we are so powerful.” Behind the text is a photo of Stacey speaking into a microphone. Photo Credit: Brooke Anderson.
May 19, 2025 at 3:05 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
With mounting ableist rhetoric and policies targeted at autistic communities, it’s more important than ever to center autistic perspectives. In the newest episode of Disability Inclusion: Required, host Justice Shorter and Eric Garcia discuss resisting these ableist narratives:
Disability Inclusion: Required – Episode 22 – Amplifying Autistic Perspectives and Protecting Community Well-Being with Eric Garcia
In this episode, host Justice Shorter welcomes Eric Garcia, reporter and author of We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. Eric breaks down the current landscape of discrimination against…
buff.ly
May 14, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum
autisticadvocacy.org
“I’m just trying to be one of many people to try and help create a world that’s filled with our culture.” www.huffpost.com/entry/alice-...
Alice Wong Wants To Make Space For More Disabled Asian Americans Like Her
“I want to create a world that is reflective of all of us,” the disability activist said.
www.huffpost.com
May 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Do you want to better understand the connection between climate and disability justice? Then make plans to attend our first-ever Learning Institute this November! We've just launched the first look at buff.ly/FNNk3IG.
Climate & Disability Justice | Learning Institute
People with disabilities are both the most vulnerable and the most overlooked population when it comes to addressing the effects of climate change. As such, the 2025 Learning Institute will bring together leaders in the climate and disability justice space.
disabilityphilanthropy.org
May 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
📢 To the disability community: The Disability & Philanthropy Forum is conducting a survey to understand how the first 100 days of leadership and policy changes (federal, state, and local) have impacted disabled-led and/or -serving organizations. Please share with your networks! buff.ly/uq8Abhu
The First 100 Days: Nothing, Without Us
Are you a disability organization led by and/or serving people with disabilities? Then participate in this survey from the Disability & Philanthropy Forum!
buff.ly
April 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
In "Power in Disability Solidarity," a new Disability & Philanthropy Forum report, five stories showcase disability solidarity in efforts from Black liberation, participatory grantmaking, art funding, community foundations, and much more. Read the stories:
Power in Disability Solidarity Report
View the Disability & Philanthropy Forum's 2024 Report, "Power in Disability Solidarity."
buff.ly
April 16, 2025 at 3:02 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
Tune into the new episode of Disability Inclusion: Required with host Justice Shorter, Jalyn Radziminski (Count US IN), and Henry Claypool on the urgency of protecting #Medicare, #Medicaid, and other health policies for people with disabilities. View the episode: bit.ly/DIR-Episode-21
Disability Inclusion: Required – Episode 21 – During Unprecedented Times: Mobilizing to Protect Disability Rights and Health Equity with Jalyn Radziminski and Henry Claypool
Learn how philanthropy can support disability organizers in pushing back against harmful health policy changes.
buff.ly
April 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Reposted by Disability & Philanthropy Forum
reinasultan.bsky.social
My first piece as @prismreports.org’s new contributing writer, focused on disability justice!

prismreports.org/2025/04/03/d...
Disabled students face rights violations amid Department of Education shutdown
The gutting of the Education Department threatens funding for crucial classroom supports disabled students need
prismreports.org
April 3, 2025 at 7:07 PM
disphilanthropy.bsky.social
This Saturday, April 5, is the anniversary of the 1977 504 Sit-In, a 25-day protest led by groundbreaking disabled activists in San Francisco calling for #Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to be signed and enforced. (🧵 1/3)
A black and gray graphic reads, “48th Anniversary of the 504 Sit-In.” Below the text is a black and white photo: inside a federal building office during the Section 504 protest, HEW employee Bruce Lee posts a hand-made sign reading, ‘504 is law now make it reality.’ Photo credit: HolLynn D’Lil. Below the photo is text reading, “April 5 - April 28, 2977.”
April 3, 2025 at 11:03 PM