July 1, 2024
An extraordinary event is unfolding, one that many are not aware of but should be: The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024.
A diverse collective of people with disabilities and their allies, both with and without disabilities, are embarking on a cross-country journey from April to October 2024. This caravan will visit numerous cities, many of which hold significant places in our history.
Here is what the organizers had to say:
“During this journey, we aim to honor and celebrate individuals and locations essential to our over 100-year struggle for freedom and justice. Our primary goals include sharing our stories, raising awareness of current issues, and building a national coalition to address how people with disabilities are treated in the United States.
“We seek to illuminate both the past and present challenges faced by Americans with disabilities. Our rich history of activism and advocacy continues to address national, regional, and local issues.
“Join us in making history once again! Visit thedisabilitycaravan.com for more information and to find out how you can be part of this movement. Check out our route and find a stop near you at thedisabilitycaravan.com/tour-route.”
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of all who have dedicated their time and resources to planning this historic event. Special recognition goes to Mark Johnson, a longstanding activist and disability pioneer whose commitment has been instrumental in bringing this event to life.
However, our work is far from being finished. Recently, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Olmstead decision in DC, marking significant progress in ensuring community living for people with disabilities. However, noted in the National Council on Disability’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) report of November 2022, people under 30 are the fastest-growing nursing home population in the U.S.
So yes, we take a moment to celebrate, but then we get back to work. We have much work to do!
We take a moment to tell our stories, but then we get back to work. We have much work to do!
We take a moment to reflect on our history, but then we get back to work. We have much work to do!
We come together at our Annual Conference on Independent Living, Back to the Future, where we march and rally with all our allies, but then we get back to work. We have much work to do!
And, yes, we go across this country in our caravan for freedom and justice, bringing attention to our issues, but then again, we get back to work. We have much work to do!
Theo Braddy
Executive Director
National Council on Independent Living
About NCIL
NCIL is the longest-running national cross-disability grassroots organization, driven by and dedicated to people with disabilities. Since its founding in 1982, NCIL has represented thousands of organizations and individuals, advocating tirelessly for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across the United States.
Image: Approximately 40 people gather in front of the Caravan vehicle for a group photo in Charlotte, North Carolina.