A Message from Theo Braddy: The Giants We Face

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This is Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL. This is an early message, but we need to hear it now. The title is “The Giants We Face”.

This election has deeply impacted the disability community, leaving us uncertain about what lies ahead. The campaign raised many questions about how people with disabilities and other multi-marginalized groups will be treated under this new Administration.

Will the Affordable Care Act be dismantled?  Will we continue to see healthcare equity, or could years of hard-fought progress be undone?

Could the ADA be weakened in favor of big business, and our rights once again overlooked? Will the Olmstead decision be reversed, bringing back the harmful, ableist idea that institutionalizing people with disabilities is acceptable?

And what about the Rehabilitation Act’s recent final rules? Could these be altered in ways that weaken the requirements for accessible medical equipment and fair treatment in medical facilities?

The unknowns are daunting, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel the weight of this uncertainty. Each night, I go to sleep with these questions lingering. But I know this when I awaken. When I am fully dressed and functional (thank God for attendant care), I do not feel that dread.  Instead, I feel courage, confidence, and a spirit that refuses to give up. I remind myself that every struggle makes us stronger — and this is not our first challenge. Many of you know this, too!

The NCIL Board of Directors, staff, and I are ready to fight for our community. But we know this effort requires unity. Now, more than ever, we call on other disability-led agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities to stand with us. Whatever challenges lie beyond the horizon, we cannot face them alone.

Like David before Goliath, we should prepare, we should gird up and be ready. Like David, who selected five smooth stones for his sling and girded up for battle. NCIL is seeking organizations and partners to be those smooth stones needed to face our giants.

I hope you’ll be one of those stones standing with us, strong and ready to advocate, ready to meet and plan, ready to rally, ready to email, ready to make calls, and ready to march. Email me at theo@ncil.org, if you are willing to be a smooth stone!

Together, we will face whatever comes. #BeAStone #GirdUp

Theo Braddy

Executive Director

National Council on Independent Living

NCIL staff Jenny Sichel and Theo Braddy pose for a selfie outside the Grand Hyatt. Behind them, the sidewalk is filled with people lining up to begin the NCIL 2023 March to the Capitol.

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.