First, thank you for recognizing the differently-abled among us and
providing this opportunity to have our voices heard. I am joining the
Disability March today because, as a disabled person and as a woman, I
am not interested in losing any of the so-hard-fought-for women’s and
disability rights that we have now in this country. Many of which I
marched for in the past and saw sworn into law. From gaining the right
to vote, to the ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act), our progress
cannot be stopped or stifled but will continue. I have seen the
strength of committed women and of those of us with disability – those
who have fought on a not-so-level playing field – and have succeeded.
I thank all who came before me, and I send a wish for strength for the
years ahead now. I take strength in our numbers. We will fight.

4. I am a teacher and designer in Oregon. I have lived with disability
for 40+ years. In a way it has taught me to be sensitive to all human
rights, and for that I’m thankful.