Disability & Philanthropy Forum
@disphilanthropy.bsky.social
The Disability & Philanthropy Forum is mobilizing philanthropy toward disability justice, rights, and inclusion.
https://linktr.ee/disabilityphilanthropy
https://linktr.ee/disabilityphilanthropy
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)
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)
September 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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)
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)
We are especially grateful to our panelists @jimlebrecht.bsky.social, @kdc.bsky.social ( @disabilitylab.bsky.social), Candace Coleman (Access Living), and Chana Gazit (American Experience). And thank you to @palfrey.org for opening the event for us! Photo credit: Amy Bissonette. (🧵 3/3)
August 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
We are especially grateful to our panelists @jimlebrecht.bsky.social, @kdc.bsky.social ( @disabilitylab.bsky.social), Candace Coleman (Access Living), and Chana Gazit (American Experience). And thank you to @palfrey.org for opening the event for us! Photo credit: Amy Bissonette. (🧵 3/3)
The film touched upon many themes that resonate in this moment. Given the recent rescission of federal funding to public media, this film also demonstrated the powerful storytelling that is possible when public media organizations have adequate funding. (🧵 2/3)
August 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The film touched upon many themes that resonate in this moment. Given the recent rescission of federal funding to public media, this film also demonstrated the powerful storytelling that is possible when public media organizations have adequate funding. (🧵 2/3)
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)
August 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
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)
Today, numerous Supreme Court actions and proposed acts threaten the equity and access to voting that the Voting Rights Act is supposed to provide. And voting access for disabled people, especially disabled Black, Indigenous, Latine, and Asian people, is continually waning. (🧵 3/4)
August 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Today, numerous Supreme Court actions and proposed acts threaten the equity and access to voting that the Voting Rights Act is supposed to provide. And voting access for disabled people, especially disabled Black, Indigenous, Latine, and Asian people, is continually waning. (🧵 3/4)
This was directly tied to increased voting access for Black people: by the end of 1965, 250,000 new Black voters had been registered to vote. Many Black disabled ancestors, including Fannie Lou Hamer, were pivotal to fighting for the passage of the Voting Rights Act. (🧵 2/4)
August 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
This was directly tied to increased voting access for Black people: by the end of 1965, 250,000 new Black voters had been registered to vote. Many Black disabled ancestors, including Fannie Lou Hamer, were pivotal to fighting for the passage of the Voting Rights Act. (🧵 2/4)
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)
August 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
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)
Connie Panzarino, a lesbian author and activist for disability rights & LGBTQIA+ rights. Connie lived with muscular dystrophy, used a wheelchair, and along with other disabled organizers, successfully lobbied for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963. Photo Credit: JEB (Joan E. Biren). 10/10
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Connie Panzarino, a lesbian author and activist for disability rights & LGBTQIA+ rights. Connie lived with muscular dystrophy, used a wheelchair, and along with other disabled organizers, successfully lobbied for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963. Photo Credit: JEB (Joan E. Biren). 10/10
Jazzie Collins, a Black trans woman activist & community organizer who lived with HIV. Jazzie’s activism included serving as the vice chair of the Lesbian Gay Transgender Senior Disabled Housing Task Force & successfully raising the minimum wage in San Francisco as part of the Prop L Committee. 9/10
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Jazzie Collins, a Black trans woman activist & community organizer who lived with HIV. Jazzie’s activism included serving as the vice chair of the Lesbian Gay Transgender Senior Disabled Housing Task Force & successfully raising the minimum wage in San Francisco as part of the Prop L Committee. 9/10
Pat Parker, a Black lesbian feminist poet and activist who lived with breast cancer. Her activism included involvement in the Black Panther Party and the Black Women's Revolutionary Council, and her poetry addressed her lived experience with poverty, sexual violence, and domestic violence. 8/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Pat Parker, a Black lesbian feminist poet and activist who lived with breast cancer. Her activism included involvement in the Black Panther Party and the Black Women's Revolutionary Council, and her poetry addressed her lived experience with poverty, sexual violence, and domestic violence. 8/9
Barbara Jordan, the first southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first LGBTQIA+ woman in Congress. Barbara lived with multiple sclerosis beginning in her first year in Congress, and used mobility aids toward the end of her life. 7/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Barbara Jordan, the first southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first LGBTQIA+ woman in Congress. Barbara lived with multiple sclerosis beginning in her first year in Congress, and used mobility aids toward the end of her life. 7/9
Audre Lorde, a self-described "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet" who lived with cancer and low vision. Her intersectional and influential writings on gender, sexuality, race, and class include the essay collection “Sister Outsider.” 6/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Audre Lorde, a self-described "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet" who lived with cancer and low vision. Her intersectional and influential writings on gender, sexuality, race, and class include the essay collection “Sister Outsider.” 6/9
Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who loved men and women, and whose self-portraits depicted her experience living with lifelong chronic pain and illness. Frida participated in activist circles and spoke out against colonialism, imperialism, and machismo. 5/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who loved men and women, and whose self-portraits depicted her experience living with lifelong chronic pain and illness. Frida participated in activist circles and spoke out against colonialism, imperialism, and machismo. 5/9
Frances Thompson, a formerly enslaved trans woman and the earliest documented trans woman to testify before the United States Congress. She lived with cancer in her foot and used mobility aids and crutches throughout her life. 4/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Frances Thompson, a formerly enslaved trans woman and the earliest documented trans woman to testify before the United States Congress. She lived with cancer in her foot and used mobility aids and crutches throughout her life. 4/9
William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved Black drag queen and the first documented drag queen in the U.S. William lived with a heart condition and organized drag balls and other gatherings for formerly enslaved members of the drag community. 3/9
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved Black drag queen and the first documented drag queen in the U.S. William lived with a heart condition and organized drag balls and other gatherings for formerly enslaved members of the drag community. 3/9
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
July 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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
"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
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
July 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
"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
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
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
July 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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
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...
Read the letter: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/dea...
July 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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...
Read the letter: disabilityphilanthropy.org/resource/dea...
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.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lhduxcpfvbdshrqldyqnkobk/bafkreiembh6q7poufjmpedwc45dwgupfxjxtitmax6icexjf34u2d4sjbe@jpeg)
June 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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:
Thank you to El Grupo VIDA, Detroit Disability Power, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland, @imaginewaterworks.bsky.social, and @domesticemployers.bsky.social for sharing your leadership, and to the Disability Inclusion Fund at @borealisphil.bsky.social for supporting the convening.
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Thank you to El Grupo VIDA, Detroit Disability Power, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland, @imaginewaterworks.bsky.social, and @domesticemployers.bsky.social for sharing your leadership, and to the Disability Inclusion Fund at @borealisphil.bsky.social for supporting the convening.
All of us at the Disability & Philanthropy Forum appreciate the time our Council members and disability community partners made to come together. We are especially grateful to co-chair Ryan Easterly and WITH Foundation for hosting a beautiful dinner.
Ft. @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @dredf.bsky.social
Ft. @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @dredf.bsky.social
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
All of us at the Disability & Philanthropy Forum appreciate the time our Council members and disability community partners made to come together. We are especially grateful to co-chair Ryan Easterly and WITH Foundation for hosting a beautiful dinner.
Ft. @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @dredf.bsky.social
Ft. @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @dredf.bsky.social
As we return to our respective organizations, we hope that the insights and conversations that were shared continue to resonate in the months ahead and materialize into concrete action to protect, uphold, and advance disability justice, rights, and inclusion.
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
As we return to our respective organizations, we hope that the insights and conversations that were shared continue to resonate in the months ahead and materialize into concrete action to protect, uphold, and advance disability justice, rights, and inclusion.
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
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
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
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:
May 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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: