Celebrating Power + Progress: Kicking Off a Milestone Year for Disability Lead

Every year, we gather in July with our Members, Fellows, and friends of the organization to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We invite our network to bring a friend, and that is how our community grows. Here is an excerpt from my remarks:
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This is always a special event for our community—but this year, it feels especially meaningful.  

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Would you believe me if I told you that tonight we are kicking off our 10th anniversary year?!! It's hard to believe that 10 years ago, our founders—some of whom are here tonight—envisioned a Chicago region where disabled leaders would grow in their power and influence. Now we are more than 250 Members strong and envisioning a nation of strong, influential disabled leaders.  

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We look forward to a year-long celebration of our 10th anniversary, which will include fun events and programs that honor our impact, legacy, and most importantly, our leaders. 
 
During July, our community also honors Disability Pride Month, celebrates our culture, and reflects on the passage of landmark legislation 35 years ago. The ADA was, and remains, a bipartisan civil rights law that made it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities. At its heart, the ADA affirms that disabled people have civil, political, and human rights. 

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It is worth celebrating how far we've come and how hard our ancestors fought. But it is equally important to be honest about this moment: the work is not done. In fact, in many ways, it's more urgent than ever. 

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Recently enacted policies threaten to roll back benefits, freedoms, and the ability of disabled people to live independent lives. These threats remind us that rights can be fragile if we don't fight to protect them. Our community deserves not just to survive but to thrive. 
 
That is why the leadership of disabled people is so important. Our movement for disability justice requires all of us—each in our own ways—to show up, speak up, and lead.

 
Here in Chicago and throughout  Illinois, our Disability Lead Members and Fellows are doing just that. Whether you're working in corporate spaces, nonprofits, or government, your leadership is shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and just world. 

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So tonight, let's raise a glass or give a round of applause for our Disability Lead Members and Fellows. Your leadership drives our mission. Every time you show up—wherever you show up—proudly and loudly as a disabled person talking about inclusion, equity, access, and justice, you move us closer to our collective vision: a world where disabled people lead with power and influence, enjoying full participation and equal opportunity as an essential part of our civic fabric. 

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It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we celebrate you. 

Acknowledgements 

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- Thank you to The iO Theater for hosting us tonight, especially Debbie Saul.

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- I'd also like to recognize the Disability Lead Board for being here, supporting this organization, supporting me, and our team. They are incredible champions of our work. If you're a board member, please raise your hand so we can thank you! 

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- And of course, the Disability Lead Team. I truly can't say enough about how hard they work or how grateful I am for every one of them. Risa Rifkind, Clare Killy, Anne Renna, Jenn Jones, April McFadden, and our newest colleague, Jess Grainger who is leading our work in SWPA—please give a wave while we all give you a big round of applause. If you haven't yet met them, please do. They are the heart and soul of this organization. 

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- Finally, thank you to everyone who donated this evening. Your support makes events like this possible and accessible. You fuel our mission all year long. 
 
This is also a special time because—Applications for our 2026 Institute are OPEN! We need your help spreading the word. One of the most powerful ways we can grow our impact is by each of you identifying disabled leaders in your networks who want to make civic change and encouraging them to apply. Visit disabilitylead.org/apply