Why I march: I’m 69 and I’ve been doing this since I was 19; when Congress passed the Voting Rights Act and the Rehabilitation Act, when the National Guard fired on college students protesting the Viet Nam war I was there and burning my bra with women fighting for the ERA. I saw our nation respond to social injustice with beautifully crafted legislation addressing inequality, and I believed our people could build an inclusive society. Was I wrong? Is that what psychologist call ‘magical thinking?’

Now in the cold light of the election, I have to acknowledge that every piece of disability legislation has added programs and service providers that continue to oppress my people. Millions of taxpayer dollars intended to support education, employment and independence have produced experts, agencies and CEOs with money and power while we remain stigmatized and segregated from mainstream society.

I’m mad because today we have to fight to keep the systems that failed us. 40 years later I am required to fight for what’s ‘better than nothing.’

Biographical statement: Important things happen through state and federal governments, but whatever legislation or funding trickles down it can’t replace a consumer-controlled, grassroots community determined to define itself and act on its own behalf. Peer Action Alliance is empowering our community, and demanding a voice in the goals and priorities of the programs created to serve us. We fight for our rights as citizens of equal standing.